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A superb ancient Roman nicolo intaglio set in a late 18th century gold signet ring. Nicolo intaglios are a particular type of intaglio made from sardonyx, agate, chalcedony or glass, whereby a thin lighter layer at the surface is carved away to reveal the darker background. This example is glass and has a light mottled blue layer over a dark blue ground. The intaglio dates from the 1st to 2nd century AD and probably depicts Hercules, the Roman God of strength and heroes. The subject was really appreciated in antiquity as a symbol of power, courage and virtue.
Glyptics have been admired since the start of the Roman Empire. This fascination has been revived throughout history, notably in the Renaissance period, and again during the Georgian and Victorian eras where many ancient cameos and intaglios were collected by young, aristocratic gentlemen during their ‘Grand Tour’ which led to the formation of significant collections. Like our example, many of these intaglios were set into jewellery, particularly in the late 18th and early 19th century; see the final image for other similar examples in the British Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The carved stone is set in a classic rubover setting with a grooved bezel, flared shoulders and plain tapering band, typical of the period. The ring is crafted in 18K gold and has a fantastic smooth silk-like texture commensurate with its impressive age.
UK size O, US size 7, intaglio measures 11mm x 9mm
A superb ancient Roman nicolo intaglio set in a late 18th century gold signet ring. Nicolo intaglios are a particular type of intaglio made from sardonyx, agate, chalcedony or glass, whereby a thin lighter layer at the surface is carved away to reveal the darker background. This example is glass and has a light mottled blue layer over a dark blue ground. The intaglio dates from the 1st to 2nd century AD and probably depicts Hercules, the Roman God of strength and heroes. The subject was really appreciated in antiquity as a symbol of power, courage and virtue.
Glyptics have been admired since the start of the Roman Empire. This fascination has been revived throughout history, notably in the Renaissance period, and again during the Georgian and Victorian eras where many ancient cameos and intaglios were collected by young, aristocratic gentlemen during their ‘Grand Tour’ which led to the formation of significant collections. Like our example, many of these intaglios were set into jewellery, particularly in the late 18th and early 19th century; see the final image for other similar examples in the British Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The carved stone is set in a classic rubover setting with a grooved bezel, flared shoulders and plain tapering band, typical of the period. The ring is crafted in 18K gold and has a fantastic smooth silk-like texture commensurate with its impressive age.
UK size O, US size 7, intaglio measures 11mm x 9mm
Glyptics have been admired since the start of the Roman Empire. This fascination has been revived throughout history, notably in the Renaissance period, and again during the Georgian and Victorian eras where many ancient cameos and intaglios were collected by young, aristocratic gentlemen during their ‘Grand Tour’ which led to the formation of significant collections. Like our example, many of these intaglios were set into jewellery, particularly in the late 18th and early 19th century; see the final image for other similar examples in the British Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The carved stone is set in a classic rubover setting with a grooved bezel, flared shoulders and plain tapering band, typical of the period. The ring is crafted in 18K gold and has a fantastic smooth silk-like texture commensurate with its impressive age.
UK size O, US size 7, intaglio measures 11mm x 9mm
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