ROMAN GOLD RING WITH INTAGLIO DEPICTING HERCULES

Ca. AD 100 - 300. An amazing Roman Imperial period 22 ct gold ring boasting an intaglio of nude Hercules made with extraordinary details. The ovoid gem is held in place with a piecrust bezel leading to a sloped shoulder and tapering band. The half-god looks to the left holding a long weapon and the skin of the Nemean lion in his right hand, unmistakable attributes of this very important figure in the Greek and Roman Pantheon. For similar see, British Museum Museum number 1814,0704.1292. This piece has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. This piece comes with an authentication report by Sami Fortune, ancient jewellery specialist. Size: D: 19.15mm / US: 6 1/2 / UK: S; 8g Provenance: From the private collection of an Essex gentleman, acquired on London art market pre-2000. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.