Roman Warrior Gemstone in Gold Ring

2nd-3rd century AD. A jasper cloison with intaglio figure of a warrior standing nude holding a spear and sword, set into a later gold finger ring with carinated hoop and oval bezel; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 191, for type; see for the iconography Furtwängler, A., Die antiken Gemmen: Geschichte der Steinschneidekunst im Klassischen Altertum, Leipzig and Berlin, 1900, figs.1,3,5, pl. XXXV. 6.38 grams, 23.62mm overall, 19.12mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17) (1"). From the collection of a Surrey gentleman; acquired 1970-1980. The naked warrior motif derives from classical Greece, and is linked with the image of the two dioscuri with lance, sword and chlamys, here worn at the shoulders. The posture and proportions of these figures, although here highly stylised, are Lysippian in spirit. The execution is fleeting, but skilful.
Condition Report: Fine condition. A large wearable size.