Details
34 in. (1.9 cm.) wide
Provenance
Giorgio Sangiorgi (1886-1965), Rome, acquired and brought to Switzerland, late 1930s; thence by continuous descent to the current owner.
Literature
J. Boardman and C. Wagner, Masterpieces in Miniature: Engraved Gems from Prehistory to the Present, London, 2018, p. 213, no. 199.
Brought to you by

Lot Essay


The flat circular stone is engraved with a charging bull before a shrine set on a rocky outcrop. The bull is on a thick groundline with its head lowered and turned out. A gnarled tree rooted in the outcrop fills the space above. The stone is mounted as a ring in a 19th century gold setting.
The subject is known from other gems but the meaning of the association of the bull with the shrine is not known. For a related example and a list of others see no. 657 in E. Zwierlein-Diehl, Glaspaasten im Martin-Von-Wagner-Museum der Universität Würzburg.

Related Articles

Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.

More from
Masterpieces in Miniature: Ancient Engraved Gems formerly in the G. Sangiorgi Collection Part II
Place your bid Condition report

A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.

I confirm that I have read this Important Notice regarding Condition Reports and agree to its terms. View Condition Report