A Fine Finger-Ring set with a Heliotrope Intaglio of a Warrior /A

Date: Circa 1550

Period: 16th Century

Origin: Germany

Medium: heliotrope, gold

Provenance: Ex English Private collection 
Ex Private collection

Literature: A meticulously crafted 16th century gold ring set with a contemporary heliotrope intaglio engraved with the image of a warrior, possibly Apollo, holding a bow in his left hand and a downward-pointing spear in his right. The figure, rendered in confident linear style, reflects the Renaissance’s fascination with classical heroism and the revival of antique glyptic traditions. The oval stone is set within a robust gold bezel adorned with intricate engraved ornamentation, with traces of coloured enamel still discernible within the recesses. The ring’s broad shoulders gracefully taper into a rounded hoop, harmoniously combining sculptural strength with a refined surface finish. Such intricate decoration closely mirrors examples in the Alice and Louis Koch Collection (Anna Beatriz Chadour, Rings; p. 200, nos. 652 - 653), where comparable engraved motifs are found around the bezels of German Renaissance rings.