Description
Gold “Gryllos” Ring set with cameo in the ancient manner with a double Janus-like Quadruple-headed Entity.
Carved in high relief, this cameo depicts four conjoined heads of a youthful male, a bearded man, a satyr, and a ram.
Undoubtedly a faithful copy of the iconography found on an ancient original cameo or intaglio, this gem presents for our eyes a true Gryllos, a parody of a modern puzzle. The term gryllos, used for these “bizarre” appearing combinations, is derived from the Greek word for a perplexing image. Gryllos is etymologically related the word gryphos, meaning “puzzle”. On this very interesting and unusual ring, the portrayal of four conjoined heads, in ancient times may actually have given a culturally understood glimpse of only two men, one younger than the other, involved in a relationship revealed by the visual signature of the satyr and the ram.
Provenance and condition: Set in a custom handmade, not hallmarked, fancy gold setting decorated with two elaborate arrow elements on the shank, and a rope twist gold bezel border. Intact, excellent condition. Ex. Art for Eternity, NYC., ex. K. Sabrini collection, NY, 2000s.
A beautiful ring, it is contained in an old leather covered ring box, marked: “Ares Antiques 961 Madison Ave, New York”.
Size: 7 ¼
