Lot 33A
Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A vision of divine favor and playful myth unfolds across this luminous Roman chalcedony intaglio, set in a substantial 21.2 karat gold ring. On the left stands Fortuna, goddess of chance and prosperity, her robed figure gracefully poised as she holds a cornucopia in one hand while gesturing toward the towering antlers of a stag before her - a visual cue to abundance, nature's bounty, or perhaps a scene of ritual symbolism. To the right, a winged cupid appears to dance with the stag, their bodies engaged in animated movement. Behind them sits a small stool, a curious domestic detail that grounds the scene in a space both theatrical and intimate. Carved with crisp precision into soft grey-blue chalcedony, the scene glows with light and shadow beneath its polished surface. The figures are finely incised, their anatomy and posture rendered with charming clarity. Size of intaglio: 0.7" L x 0.6" W (1.8 cm x 1.5 cm); of ring: 1" Diameter (2.5 cm); US ring size: 8.5; gold quality: 88.4% (21.2 karats); weight: 4.9 grams
Fortuna's drapery falls in delicate folds, while Cupid's wings and the stag's slender legs bring energy to the composition. The stag's antlers arch dramatically across the stone, drawing the eye upward and framing the interaction with Fortuna's gesture.
This ring's wide, smoothly contoured hoop of high-karat gold testifies to Roman expertise in working precious materials. The solid construction and harmonious proportions suggest it was made for a person of considerable status. Intaglio rings like this served as seals as well as amulets, pressed into wax or clay to leave impressions steeped in myth and identity.
Though unique in composition, this scene finds resonance with Roman art's fascination with Fortuna, Cupid (or Eros), and symbolic animal imagery - subjects that linked divine will, desire, and nature in ways both lighthearted and profound.
Provenance: ex-T.F. Holy Lands collection, formed since the 1960s; ex-private UK collection; ex-Arthur Jacson collection, 1970s-1980s
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#195336
- Condition: Some very light surface wear, commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact, excellent, and wearable with nicely preserved detail.
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