Lot 28
Roman, early Imperial period, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. A boldly cast Roman silver ring set with a finely carved red jasper intaglio depicting an eagle with outstretched wings. The bird is rendered in sharp profile with finely etched feathers, its posture evoking dominion, flight, and imperial symbolism. With talons extended and wings flared, the eagle appears poised between earth and sky - a creature of power and vision. The red jasper, polished to a soft luster, would have been chosen not only for its durability as a sealstone, but also for its association with protection and strength. The silver setting features an elegant taper with broad, triangular shoulders, enhancing the prominence of the engraved gem at its center. Size of intaglio: 0.3" Diameter (0.8 cm); of ring: 0.9" Diameter (2.3 cm); US ring size: 8; silver quality: 91.5%; weight: 3.9 grams
In Roman culture, the eagle (aquila) was the standard of the Roman legions and the emblem of Jupiter, king of the gods. As such, it bore connotations of divine authority, military might, and political loyalty. Rings like this one may have served both as practical seals and as expressions of allegiance to Rome and its divine protector. Rich in symbolic meaning and finely constructed, this ring would have made a powerful statement on the hand of its original owner - whether soldier, magistrate, or devout citizen of the empire.
Provenance: ex-T.F. Holy Lands collection, formed since the 1960s; ex-private UK collection; ex-Vienna, Austria collection, before 2000
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#195369
- Condition: Light surface wear, but otherwise, intact, excellent, and wearable with light patina to silver.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |