Asta Bidspirit | A fine roman amethyst intaglio

A fine roman amethyst intaglio set in a gold ring with diamonds. Seated Mercury with attributes. 1st - 2nd century A.D. Stone 10 x 14 mm; ring size 18 x 19 mm; 5,56 gr. The god is seated naked on the rocks, facing right. With his left hand he holds the caduceus, and with his right he points towards the cock, his sacred animal, which is near him. Frontally, he places the foot on a small altar, on which a lamb rests. Below the groundline, a turtle. Magic-votive gem characterized by a rare composition. Attractive stone color. The gem is mounted in a silver setting with diamonds, subsequently attached to a chiseled gold ring. The mount can be dated to the 19th century. Provenance: UK art market, London.