A Roman Red Jasper Intaglio of Leda and the Swan set as a ring, Roman Imperial Period, ca. 1st - 2nd century CE

Set in an early 20th-century ring mount, this finely carved red jasper intaglio depicts Leda and the Swan. This scene is based on one of the most significant stories in Greek mythology, telling of Leda, a Spartan queen whom Zeus seduced in the form of a swan. From their union, she laid two eggs resulting in the births of four children: Helen, Clytemnestra, and the Dioskuri: Castor and Pollux.

Leda's daughter, Helen, was famously described as the most beautiful woman in the world. Her beauty and subsequent elopement with Paris, Prince of Troy, ultimately led to the Trojan War, which lasted a decade. Helen's life was marked by divine interventions, passionate affairs, and the burdens of her extraordinary beauty, which brought entire kingdoms to their knees. Through Helen, Leda’s lineage played a pivotal role in one of the most epic wars in Greek mythology.

Medium: Red jasper, gold

Dimensions: US ring size: 6 1/2 (UK: M 1/2; France: 52 3/4; Japan: 13; Italy: 12 3/4). Intaglio width: 5/8 inch (1.58 cm)

Condition:  The intaglio is intact and in very good condition overall.  It was set in an antique ring of 10K yellow gold in the early 20th century.

Provenance: Private English collection, early 20th century. Danvers Collection, MA; thence by descent. Thereafter, a private US collection, acquired before 2000.

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