Bertolami Fine Art - Piazza Lovatelli 1, 00186 Roma
ASTA 267 - GLITTICA ASTA 267 - GLITTICA
Friday 7 July 2023 hours 12:30 (UTC +00:00)
A LARGE ROMAN GOLD RING SET WITH A CARNELIAN INTAGLIO. ATHENA WITH HER WEAPONS AND A SNAKE.
A LARGE ROMAN GOLD RING SET WITH A CARNELIAN INTAGLIO. ATHENA WITH HER WEAPONS AND A SNAKE.
2nd-1st century B.C.
Stone 13x18 mm; int. size 16x20 mm; 7,49 gr
With rounded hoop expanding upwards onto an oval bezel with a carnelian intaglio; the helmeted goddess is standing left, her left arm resting on a column, the hand holding the spear. Her right hand raised mastering the snake. Behind the column, her shield. Groundline. The presence of the snake linked to the goddess can be referrable to Cecrope; chtonian deity adorned in Athens, hypostasis of the sacred animal born from the ground. The snake is considered as the mythical hero and first king of Athens. The snake is Athena's sacred animal, with reference to the Winsdom, the Knowledge and the prophecies. The scene is inspired by a classical greek relief. Mirror polishing. Wear marks.
Provenance: U.K. private collection