Description:

Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A wonderful banded agate intaglio of the Roman god Mercury (Greek Hermes) set into a nearly 24-karat gold ring of petite size, intended for a child or one's little finger. Crowned by his petasos or winged helmet, the deity stands nude in contrapposto with his head turned to his left as he grasps a caduceus in one hand and a bag of coins in the other. Latin letters surround the figure, showing what appears to be "CERIA." The glistening gold body of the ring perfectly complements the stunning, banded agate that boasts natural hues of charcoal, white, and butterscotch, forming a type of aura that surrounds the god. Mercury was one of the major Classical deities, the patron god of financial success and commerce, as well as eloquence and poetry. He was a trickster god, and he also acted as a psychopomp, leading souls to the underworld. Size of intaglio: 0.3" W x 0.5" H (0.8 cm x 1.3 cm); of ring: 0.7" L x 1" W (1.8 cm x 2.5 cm); gold quality: 98.71% (over 23.5 karats); weight: 7 grams

Ovid wrote that Mercury carried Morpheus's dreams from the valley of Somnus to sleeping humans. For these reasons, he came to be seen as the "keeper of boundaries," forming a bridge between the upper and lower worlds. He also fulfilled that role by acting as a messenger for the other gods. According to Caesar, he was the most popular god in Britain and Gaul, where he was syncretized with the Germanic god Wotan and considered to be the inventor of all arts.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired prior to 2010

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#183952

  • Condition: Some expected light scratches and minor indentations to gold, as commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact, wearable, and in overall excellent condition with great preservation to incised imagery.

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February 22, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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