A byzantine gold marriage ring. Two portraits.

4th - 5th century A.D.

11 x 12 mm; ring size 15,5 x 16,5 mm; 25,37 gr.

With massive plain rounded hoop expands into a rectangular bezel with an engraved design; a double portrait with inscription (partial erased). A male and a female bust facing each other, between the christian cross. On each side, on the edge, inscriptions, probably some kind of benediction for the couple. Although partial erased, the inscriptions appears clearly in reverse, suggestions that the ring was intended for sealing. Two other features confirm that the ring was made as a seal; the chlamys won by the male has a brooch fastened on the left instead of right shoulder as was customary; and the bride appears on the left instead of on the right, the left side of the composition being reserved typically for the more important person. This type of marriage ring originated in the fourth century was popular in the Roman Empire and the Byzantium. Its origin lies in Roman coinage dating from at least the third century, were the facing portrait symbolized solidarity and harmony. The addition of the cross adapted the model to Christianity, by suggestion that through the marriage the union was blessed by God. Parallel: HINDMAN, S., FATONE, I., MANTOVA, A., Toward an Art History of Medieval Rings: A private collection, 2014, pp. 30-33; for a very similar ring see Washington D.C., Dumbarton Oaks Collection, 47,18.

Provenance: english private collection B.C., London, acquired on the London art market in 1975.