DATE: Vintage, c.1970

Cool vintage cameo ring depicting Antinous, the Roman Emperor Hadrian's lover, in high relief over an oval background. It's French, dating from the 1970s, crafted in silver.

Hadrian was introduced to Antinous in 123 AD and became instantly besotted on account of his angelic beauty. Antinous accompanied Hadrian during his attendance of the annual Eleusinian Mysteries in Athens, and was with him when he killed the Marousian lion in Libya. He died in mysterious circumstances while traveling by boat on the Nile, some cite that he committed suicide to protect the honour of Hadrian, while others believe he accidentally drowned. Either way, Hadrian was distraught... he founded the city of Antinopolis on land nearby, he organised yearly games in Athens and Antinopolis in commemoration of his lover, and even founded a religious cult devoted to his worship that spread throughout the Empire.

The memory of Antinous has resonated through the ages right up to the present day, attracting the attention of the likes of Frederick the Great of Prussia, Prince Eugène of Savoy, and even Oscar Wilde, who made mention of him in two works.

MEASUREMENTS 

Size: 10.5

Head: 2.4 x 1.8cm

Rise off finger: 8.4mm

Width of band: 4mm

WEIGHT 

15.4g

MARKS 

French control marks for 800 silver (Minerva) 

Makers mark E S 

CONDITION 

Very good, with gorgeous vintage patina