Greek serpent Ring

This finely carved gold ring, representing a snake, comes to us from the surroundings of Cnide, on the west coast of Asia Minor, which was a rich Lacedonian colony.

It is difficult to give an exact age to this jewel, but it is likely that it dates from the"Classical Period" that saw the princes of Asia Minor compete for sumptuous luxury.

It is in the Aphrodite of Cnidus, Praxiteles, the mausoleum of Halicarnassus - one of the seven wonders of the world - and the Demeter found in Cnidus, that the art of the 4th century reaches its apogee. Then Alexander is only a child whose tutor's name is Aristotle; he will soon lead the Greeks to the plains of India.

The work of this ring gives an idea of the refinement of Demosthène's contemporaries. The serpent is attributed the very ancient function of representing the souls of the dead coming out of their graves. It seems rather that its sinuosity even lends itself to the most subtle decorative games.

Dimensions:
Ø int. 18 mm
Material: Gold plated
Origin: Cnidian, Asia Minor.
Period: 4th century B.C.
Museum: Louvre Museum, Paris.
Editor: rmngp