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Classical Antiquities :
Ancient Jewelry : Roman Intaglio Ring of the God Mercury
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Roman Intaglio Ring of the God Mercury - FJ.4234
Origin: Caesarea, Israel
Circa: 100
AD
to 300
AD
Collection: Ancient Jewelry
Style: Roman
Medium: Bronze and Gold
Location: United States
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| Description |
The caduceus staff and moneybag held by this
robust fellow identify him as Mercury, messenger
of the gods, patron of commerce, travel, and
gambling. When the Roman Empire was at its
height, this ring was probably worn by someone
seeking the benevolent blessings of Mercury in
his daily affairs. Perhaps it adorned the hand of
a merchant who voyaged throughout the empire
on business. It may have sealed closed the
boxes and jars of a manufacturing house.
Perhaps a gambler wore it on the hand that
threw the dice. As we slip it onto our own finger
today, we are connected in an intimate way with
the vanished life of its ancient owner, and with
the world in which he lived.
- (FJ.4234)
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