A Roman Gold and Silver Ring with Gemstone of Minerva (Athena), Roman Imperial Period, ca. 2nd century CE
This object qualifies for free USA shipping and a flat rate fee of $60 if shipping internationally.
This exquisite carnelian intaglio gemstone features Athena (Minerva), the famed goddess of war and wisdom, posed in a contrapposto stance. She is draped in her traditional peplos and armor, wearing an iconic helmet on her head. With her right hand, she supports a shield that stands upright on an altar in front of her. In the background, there is a fire altar dedicated to the goddess. The intaglio is set in a bezel made of high-karat yellow gold, while the ring shank is crafted from silver, creating a piece that is both captivating and timeless.
In ancient Greek religion, Athena was the goddess of war, handicraft, and wisdom, and she was the patroness of Athens. Her Roman counterpart was Minerva. According to Hesiod, Athena sprang fully armed from the forehead of Zeus. In the "Iliad," she fought alongside the Greek heroes, embodying the virtues of justice and skill in warfare, in contrast to the bloodlust of Ares. Athena was associated with the owl and the snake and was typically depicted as a virgin goddess. Her birth and her contest with Poseidon for sovereignty over Athens were illustrated on the Parthenon. Her birthday festival was known as the Panathenaea.
Medium: Gold, silver, carnelian
Dimensions: US ring size 6 (UK=M 1/2, DE=16.5, CH=12 3/4)
Condition: The stone is intact and in excellent condition overall. It has been set in a vintage 18K gold ring.
Provenance: Private North Carolina collection, acquired from the NY trade in the 1970s.
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Furthermore, we conduct due diligence to ensure the item, to the best of our knowledge, has not been illegally obtained from an excavation, architectural monument, public institution, or private property. Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.
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