A Roman Gold and Agate Finger Ring, ca. 2nd century CE Price - $1000 - $5000 Art Gallery of NSW

Art Gallery of NSW

"intended to keep the various spirit forms which survived death eternally supplied with essential food and drink even if actual supplies had ceased to be presented at the burial place" (Andrews

thereafter private Virginia collection

Sydney2000 Journey to the North West

A large and lovely example

A Roman Gold and Agate Finger Ring, ca. 2nd century CE Price - $1000 - $5000 Art Gallery of NSWa high karat gold hollow ring, the high bezel set with an agate intaglio with white inclusions that depicts the fertility god Priapus, shown in profile, with erect phallus and holding a long staff. In Greek mythology, Priapus was a fertility god, protector of livestock, fruit plants, gardens, and male genitalia. Priapus is marked by his oversized, permanent erection, which gave rise to the medical term priapism. He became a popular figure in Roman