{"product_id":"roman-gold-ring-aquilius-3rd-5th-c-ce-eagle-intaglio","title":"Roman Gold Ring - 'Aquilius' (ca. 3rd–5th c. CE) EU 58.25 \/ US 8.5","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Roman gold signet ring named 'Aquilius', set with a carnelian intaglio of an eagle's head, the bird of Jupiter and the emblem of the legions. A slender ribbed hoop carries the raised oval collet between two small gold granules.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Engraving:\u003cbr\u003eThe head is cut in profile from straight strokes: a long tapering cut forms the beak, short parallel cuts fan out behind it as plumage, and a straight line runs beneath. The style is schematic, so the head reads as an emblem rather than a study of the bird. In a wax impression the cut lines stand up in relief.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eEra: Roman\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Gold, carnelian intaglio\u003cbr\u003eRing Size: EU 58.25 \/ US 8.5\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3.2 g\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Bright gold with fine scratches and scuffs on the inner hoop and back plate; the granule tops slightly flattened; slight damage at the rim of the carnelian; pale deposit in the engraved lines\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private London collection; formerly in a UK ancient art collection (early 2000s); previously in the collection of G.M., before 1996.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: R-673-G\u003cbr\u003eAuthenticity: Comes with certificate of authenticity\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition and Authenticity:\u003cbr\u003eThis original comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and our written lifetime authenticity guarantee.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorical Context:\u003cbr\u003eThe ring is assembled rather than cast: the ribbed hoop tapers at each end and laps onto the back plate of the collet, where it is soldered, and a single granule sits at each join. Set with an engraved carnelian, a ring like this gave its owner a seal to sign with. To Romans the eagle carried Jupiter's thunderbolt, and the legions marched behind it on their standards. On a personal seal, the same bird stood for the god's protection and for the power of the state.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn gold and carnelian, the ring set Jupiter's own bird on everything its owner sealed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExplore more \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ancient-roman-rings\"\u003eRoman rings\u003c\/a\u003e from our collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aurora Antiqua","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64264829567306,"sku":"R-673-G","price":2800.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/aquilius-angled-front-view-of-the-gold-ring-and-its-oval-carnelian-1.jpg?v=1794040953","url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/products\/roman-gold-ring-aquilius-3rd-5th-c-ce-eagle-intaglio","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}