Ancient Roman

Ancient Roman Silver Legionary Ring Bezel Depicting an Aquila Eagle Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–3rd century AD Material: Silver Weight: 1.4 g Dimensions: 16.5 × 15.7 mm Thickness: 0.5 mm From a Private European Collection. A very rare and exceptionally attractive Ancient Roman silver ring bezel, featuring a magnificent and remarkably detailed engraving of an eagle (Aquila), one of the most powerful and prestigious symbols of the Roman Empire and its legendary legions. The beautifully executed engraving depicts a majestic eagle standing in profile, facing right, with its head proudly raised and its powerful beak prominently defined. Particularly impressive is the extraordinary attention to detail displayed throughout the bird's plumage. The long, elegantly arranged wing feathers, carefully articulated breast, individual tail feathers and strongly defined legs create a remarkably expressive composition despite the object's small dimensions. The eagle's commanding posture and finely rendered anatomical features demonstrate the considerable skill of the ancient engraver. The beautifully preserved silvery-grey surface displays an attractive natural toning, wonderfully accentuating the deeply engraved details and giving the object a distinctive ancient character. The Aquila – Sacred Symbol of the Roman Legions: The eagle, known in Latin as the Aquila, occupied an extraordinary position within the Roman military. Following the military reforms traditionally associated with Gaius Marius in the late 2nd century BC, the eagle became the principal standard of the Roman legion. Far more than a military emblem, the Aquila represented the honour, identity and fighting spirit of an entire legion. Its protection was entrusted to a specially appointed standard-bearer, the Aquilifer, who carried the sacred eagle into battle. The loss of a legionary eagle was considered a profound military disgrace, while the recovery of a captured standard could become an event of immense political and symbolic importance. One of the most celebrated examples occurred under Emperor Augustus, when Roman standards lost during earlier campaigns against the Parthians were recovered in 20 BC and commemorated as a major imperial achievement. A Personal Symbol of Military Pride and Imperial Authority: Eagle imagery was also employed on Roman jewellery, engraved gemstones, military decorations and personal objects. For a Roman soldier, an eagle could express loyalty, courage, victory and identification with the military traditions of Rome. The striking representation on this small silver plate evokes precisely this powerful visual language. Its proportions and decorative character are consistent with an ornamental bezel or inset, potentially associated with a personal ring. The attribution to a legionary ring remains a typological interpretation, while the eagle itself provides a compelling connection to Roman military symbolism. An Exceptional Miniature Work of Art: What makes this fascinating object particularly appealing is the combination of its remarkably small dimensions and its elaborate engraved decoration. Measuring only 16.5 × 15.7 mm, the silver plate nevertheless accommodates an impressive composition with numerous individually distinguishable details. The elegant silhouette, deeply incised feathers, carefully modelled head and beautifully toned surface give the eagle a remarkable visual presence. The reverse is largely smooth, while the slightly irregular outline preserves the character of the thin metal plate. A very rare and captivating collector's piece, combining miniature metal engraving, ancient Roman eagle iconography and the fascinating military traditions of the Roman Empire. Historical and Typological Comparisons: Roman Imperial silver finger rings and engraved gemstones depicting eagles provide important iconographic parallels, particularly examples associated with Jupiter, imperial authority and military symbolism. The eagle was widely represented on Roman coinage, military standards and personal adornments throughout the Imperial Period. I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot. I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

Estimation:€275

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