ROMAN GARNET INTAGLIO OF CUPID IN OPENWORK GOLD RING

Ca. AD 1 - 300. A deep red garnet intaglio engraved with the head of Cupid, with downcast eyes and short, wavy hair. The oval gem is mounted in a possibly later gold ring with a broad bezel. The openwork hoop has split shoulders composed of broad, overlapping bands, with curled wire scrolls beneath the bezel and a rounded shank at the back. For similar see: Classical Art Research Centre, University of Oxford, Record Number: 40008122. Size: D:17.32mm / US: 7 / UK: N 1/2; Weight: 10.5g Provenance: Private London collection of an art professional; acquired on the UK and European art markets between 1980s to early 2000s. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.