Lot 16
Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A stunning agate intaglio of the Roman god Jupiter (Greek Zeus) mounted in an elegant ring of over 18-karat gold. Nude, the deity stands contrapposto, extending his arm on which an eagle is perched while his right hand holds a staff. Beneath the eagle is a petite altar, and a vertical inscription of indecipherable Latin or Greek text is shown to the left. The naturally banded agate boasts a black center surrounded by a white border, creating a halo around the standing god. Ovoid in form, the gem is set in a raised bezel with an incised edge and a slender ring band that tapers opposite the intaglio. Size of intaglio: 0.6" L x 0.5" W (1.5 cm x 1.3 cm); of ring: 1.1" L x 1" W (2.8 cm x 2.5 cm); US ring size: 10; gold quality: 77.2% (18.5 karats); weight: 14.8 grams
Jupiter, the supreme deity of Roman mythology, was revered as the god of the sky, thunder, and kingship, embodying power and divine authority. Often depicted with his sacred eagle, which symbolized his dominion over the heavens and his role as the protector of Rome, Jupiter was a favored subject in ancient Roman intagliosintricately carved gemstone seals used for personal adornment and authentication. Such engravings often portrayed Jupiter seated in majesty or his eagle clutching a thunderbolt, reinforcing the wearers connection to divine favor, strength, and legitimacy. These intaglios were prized by Roman elites, serving as both protective talismans and status symbols that aligned the bearer with the supreme ruler of gods and men.
Provenance: private Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada collection; ex-Apollo Auction, London, UK; ex-private London, UK collection; ex-private Mr. P.S. collection Mayfair, London, UK, acquired on the London art market in the 1970s
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#193131
- Condition: Small chip to area below figure; does not affect main imagery. Some minor nicks to bezel and miniscule indentations to gold. Otherwise, intact, excellent, and wearable.
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