Roman Gold Intaglio Ring with Minerva, Circa 1st, 3rd Century AD

A solid band gold ring with enlarged arms , bezel holding a carnelian intaglio with helmeted goddess Minerva holding a long spear; 5.26 grams, US size 7.5, UK size P. From the collection of EU gentleman, acquired on the German art market before 2000s. FOOTNOTES: Minerva, in Roman religion, the goddess of handicrafts, the professions, the arts, and, later, war; she was commonly identified with the Greek Athena. Some scholars believe that her cult was that of Athena introduced at Rome from Etruria. This is reinforced by the fact that she was one of the Capitoline triad, in association with Jupiter and Juno. Her shrine on the Aventine in Rome was a meeting place for guilds of craftsmen, including at one time dramatic poets and actors.