Roman, early Imperial period, ca. 1st century BCE to 1st century CE; Western Europe, Neoclassical period, ca. 19th to 20th century CE. An exceptional Roman intaglio of the god Mercury (Greek Hermes), hand-carved into vermillion-hued carnelian and mounted in a Neoclassical gold ring to be wearable. Draped in a billowing cape, the otherwise nude deity stands contrapposto on a groundline, boasting a youthful, muscular physique. Facing right in three-quarters position, he raises his left hand while carrying a winged caduceus in his right. 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: 0.6" L x 0.4" W (1.5 cm x 1 cm); of ring: 0.8" Diameter (2 cm); US ring size: 5.5; metal quality: 30.4% gold (over 8 karats), 35.1% silver, 34.5% copper; weight: 2.6 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: ex-Dr. Corinne Bronfman estate, Washington D.C., USA, acquired via descent; ex-Marjorie Bronfman collection, Montreal, Canada, acquired March 31,1966

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#186653

    Condition:
  • Ancient intaglio set in a Neoclassical gold ring to be wearable. Ring and intaglio are intact and in choice condition with impeccable preservation of detail to Mercury.

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by Artemis Gallery
September 6, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
686 S. Taylor Ave., #108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Artemis Gallery

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