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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1895.202.D
Title
Ring
Other Titles
Alternate Title: Ring (from the Heraion, near Argos)
Classification
Jewelry
Work Type
ring
Date
9th-5th century BCE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Europe, Argolis, Heraion (Argolis)
Period
Geometric period to Classical
Culture
Greek
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/311083

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Copper alloy
Technique
Cast, lost-wax process
Dimensions
diam. 2.3 x w. 0.9 x th. 0.3 cm (7/8 x 3/8 x 1/8 in.)
Technical Details

Technical Observations: The patina is green with areas of red. The ring is partially mineralized. The surface is preserved in some areas, although small chips are lost from the edge.

The outer surface is a gentle curve, while the inner surface is relatively straight. The edges are slightly rounded. These shapes are consistent with the practical needs of finger ring designs. Despite chip losses at the edge, it appears that one side of the ring is slightly lower than the other, which could assist in orienting the ring on the finger. There is no indication of surface decoration. The object could have been cast, but there is no clear evidence to support this.


Henry Lie (submitted 2002)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Professor C.E. Norton and Richard Norton
Accession Year
1895
Object Number
1895.202.D
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Published Catalogue Text: Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Bronzes at the Harvard Art Museums
The ring consists of a plain band that is slightly convex on the exterior and narrows in one area of the circumference. The size suggests that it is a finger ring, but another function cannot be excluded (1).

NOTES:

1. H. F. de Cou, “The Bronzes of the Argive Heraeum,” in The Argive Heraeum 2, ed. C. Waldstein (Boston, 1905) 191-332, esp. 251-60, nos. 975-1524 (Type C), pls. 90-91.


Susanne Ebbinghaus

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Bronzes

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu