Lot 153a, Auction 4/20/2026: Roman Silver Ring w/ Carnelian Intaglio, Youth on Horse

$650.00

In stock

Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A bold and intimate relic of Roman identity, this silver ring centers a glowing carnelian intaglio carved with a youthful rider holding a palm branch, his horse poised in quiet motion. The translucent red-orange stone catches the light like embers beneath the surface, its polished face incised with confident, economical lines that bring the figure vividly to life. The intaglio depicts a youth mounted on horseback, raising a palm frond – a potent symbol in the Roman world associated with victory, triumph, and at times peaceful conquest. Such imagery may have commemorated personal achievement, military success, or aspirational virtues tied to courage and honor. The compact composition, carefully adapted to the oval bezel, reflects the engraver’s skill in balancing clarity with miniature scale. Size of intaglio: 0.6″ L x 0.5″ W (1.5 cm x 1.3 cm); of ring: 1″ L x 0.8″ W (2.5 cm x 2 cm); US ring size: 2; silver quality: 94.9 to 99.9%; weight: 12 grams

Set within a substantial silver ring of high purity (94.9 to 99.9%), the mount is thick and functional, its interior showing wear consistent with prolonged use. Rings of this type served not only as personal adornment but also as signet devices, the intaglio carving capable of impressing wax seals to authenticate documents or goods. The slightly irregular form of the band and bezel suggests hand fabrication, typical of Roman metalwork where practicality and durability were paramount.

Carnelian was especially prized in antiquity for intaglios due to its hardness and ability to take a fine polish, as well as its warm, lifelike coloration. Its association with vitality and protection further enhanced its desirability. Here, the stone’s rich hue heightens the sense of vitality in the carved scene, reinforcing the symbolic language of youth and triumph. This ring stands as both ornament and instrument – a personal emblem carried daily, its imagery quietly proclaiming identity, ambition, or remembrance within the vast and interconnected world of the Roman Empire.

Cf. Beazley Database, reference number 2750 / record number 40008760.

Condition: Shank repaired with minor surface wear, but, otherwise, intact, wearable, and in very good condition with nice preservation of carved imagery.

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection, acquired February 2022 via Sands of Time Gallery, Washington, D.C., USA; ex-Alex Malloy collection, acquired in the 1980s

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 purchases.

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