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Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. Quite the opulent ornament! A dazzling garnet intaglio of Cupid (Greek Eros), the Roman god of desire, erotic love, attraction, and affection, set in a nearly 24-karat (23.8 karat or 99.246%) gold ring. Facing forward, the cherubic deity is shown from the chest up with one bare pectoral and the other draped by the sash of his quiver. His round face features full cheeks, a petite nose, and plump lips, all surmounted by a crown-like coiffure. Note how the warm shimmer of the gold intensifies the rich, raspberry hue of the garnet. An eye-catching and wearable piece of ancient history that serves as a stunning testament to the enduring nature of love and romance – or in the eternal words of Virgil “Omnia vincit Amor” – and perhaps the perfect gift for whomever you desire to be struck by one of Cupid’s arrows! Size of intaglio: 0.7″ L x 0.5″ W (1.8 cm x 1.3 cm); of exterior of ring: 1″ L x 1.2″ W (2.5 cm x 3 cm); US ring size: 7.5; quality of gold: 23.8 karat or 99.246%; weight: 10.6
Cupid was the mischievous yet endearing god of love, a minion, constant companion, and according to some classical writers, a son of the goddess Venus (Aphrodite). Although Eros is generally portrayed as a slender winged youth in Classical Greek art, during the Hellenistic period, he was increasingly portrayed as a chubby boy. During this time, his iconography acquired the bow and arrow that represent his source of power: a person, or even a deity, who is shot by Cupid’s arrow is filled with uncontrollable desire.
Condition: Some minor indentations to band of ring, mostly on the side opposite the intaglio, and a few light nicks and scratches to gold and garnet; none of which affect imagery or presentation. Otherwise, intact, choice, and wearable! Impressive preservation of detail. Accompanied by custom ring box with interior lighting mechanism.
Provenance: private Jones collection, Boulder, Colorado, USA; ex-Encino, California, USA gallery, November 14, 2004, lot 1085
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