1991.75.67, Ring with box-shaped bezel, Greece, 2nd century B.C.E., gold, rock crystal, enamel


GENERAL DESCRIPTION  
Rings made from sheet gold or gold wire occur in Greek graves dating to the 10th century BCE, and there is constant evidence that simple gold bands or rings were worn as rings in the following centuries. As a result of Egyptian or Phoenician influence, more elaborate forms slowly became popular beginning in the 6th century BCE. The 3rd to 1st centuries BCE saw an abundance of rings and a large variety in shape and style. 

The intriguing design of this ring features a rectangular box setting holding a delicate arrangement of granulated and enameled flowers, perfect examples of the Hellenistic goldsmith's technical skill and free use of natural motifs. Many Hellenistic rings are set with an engraved gem and are generally considered to be signet rings, although a purely decorative function cannot be excluded.

Adapted from
Barbara Deppert-Lippitz, Ancient Gold Jewelry at the Dallas Museum of Art, (Dallas: Dallas Museum of Art in association with the University of Washington Press, 1996), 66; 140.

NOTES
  • updated provenance and geo x refs in TMS
  • added publication as a text entry in TMS

Cultures

Geography 

Process/materials

Historical periods

Individuals

Subject terms

RELATED OBJECTS 

PROVENANCE 
Until 1989: probably Collection of Dr. Athos Moretti, Switzerland [1]

1989-1991: Collection of Robert Haber, New York, New York [2]

From 1991: Dallas Museum of Art, The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc.

[1] based on existing provenance entry in TMS
[2] See printed email exchange between Andrew Oliver and Anne Bromberg, dated August 3, 2012, found in Collections Record Object file 1991.75.53

AUDIO ASSETS 

VIDEO ASSETS

IMAGE ASSETS

WEB RESOURCES 

ARCHIVAL RESOURCES

FUN FACTS

TEACHING IDEAS

RULES
Apply to objects where number equals 1991.75.67

Category
rules_operator
AND
General Description
 
Rings made from sheet gold or gold wire occur in Greek graves dating to the 10th century BCE, and there is constant evidence that simple gold bands or rings were worn as rings in the following centuries. As a result of Egyptian or Phoenician influence, more elaborate forms slowly became popular beginning in the 6th century BCE. The 3rd to 1st centuries BCE saw an abundance of rings and a large variety in shape and style. 

The intriguing design of this ring features a rectangular box setting holding a delicate arrangement of granulated and enameled flowers, perfect examples of the Hellenistic goldsmith's technical skill and free use of natural motifs. Many Hellenistic rings are set with an engraved gem and are generally considered to be signet rings, although a purely decorative function cannot be excluded.

Adapted from
Barbara Deppert-Lippitz, Ancient Gold Jewelry at the Dallas Museum of Art, (Dallas: Dallas Museum of Art in association with the University of Washington Press, 1996), 66; 140.

Fun Facts

Archival Resources

Web Resources
 

Notes
  • updated provenance and geo x refs in TMS
  • added publication as a text entry in TMS

Cultures

Geography 

Process/materials

Historical periods

Individuals

Subject terms

RELATED OBJECTS 

PROVENANCE 
Until 1989: probably Collection of Dr. Athos Moretti, Switzerland [1]

1989-1991: Collection of Robert Haber, New York, New York [2]

From 1991: Dallas Museum of Art, The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc.

[1] based on existing provenance entry in TMS
[2] See printed email exchange between Andrew Oliver and Anne Bromberg, dated August 3, 2012, found in Collections Record Object file 1991.75.53

AUDIO ASSETS 

VIDEO ASSETS

rules
Apply To
Objects
number
Equals
1991.75.67
tags
#draft
#completed
%copyedited_Gail
*Classical Art
@Bowling
%Archived
jewelry: AAT: 300209286
metalwork: AAT: 300015336
goldwork: AAT: 300044045
gold (metal): AAT: 300011021
metalworking: AAT: 300053946
Greece_Ancient: TGN: 7594735
gilding (material): AAT: 300379350
ancient (style and period): AAT: 300106711
floral patterns: AAT: 300010135
rings (object genres): AAT: 300263678
granulation: AAT: 300054021
Ancient Greek (culture or style): AAT: 300020072
wirework: AAT: 300044077
rosette (motif): AAT: 300009972
rock crystal (quartz): AAT: 300011152
Aphrodite (Greek deity): DMA
source file
object_notes_2_a-0518.xml.nores