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Title: 1,700 year old Roman gold ring with portrait of Cupid is found in garden Post by: Neil on November 25, 2015, 11:34:12 AM By Cheyenne Macdonald
An amateur metal detectorist in the UK has made an extraordinary find - a gold-carved ring depicting a nude portrait of Cupid, god of erotic love. The ring contains a dark onyx and blue engraved nicolo stone and may once have rested on the finger of a man or woman during the reign of the Roman Empire. Cupid is also known by his Greek name, Eros, and can be identified in the 1,700-year-old engraving by his short wings. He is shown leaning naked against a spiral column, legs crossed and carrying a torch in one hand Discovered near the village of Tangley, the ring is now in the hands of the Hampshire Museums Service and will be put on display at the Andover Museum. CUPID, SON OF VENUS Tales of Cupid date back to the second century AD, and tell of his sexual adventures. Cupid was commonly naked, to the distaste of his mother, Venus, and was often pictured holding a torch or a bow and arrow. A story by Apuleius tells of Cupid and his love interest, Psyche, who is deemed unworthy by Venus. Artistic depictions of the lovers can be seen dating back 2,500 years. During the Renaissance, Cupid morphed into the cherub-like image that is widely known today. . Images of the god were popular among the Greeks and Romans, and this particular design is characteristic of the fourth century A.D. The ring was discovered in 2013 and turned in to the Portable Antiquities Scheme, an organisation that was established in 1997 to facilitate reports of artefact discoveries by amateur metal detectorists. While amateurs are allowed to search for antiques with metal detectors, so long as they remain outside of protected areas, it is required that certain finds be reported to the antiquities authorities. Writings about Cupid dating back to the second century A.D. and describe him as mischievously seductive, wielding torches, a quiver, a bow and arrows. He was commonly naked, and any woman pricked by his arrow would fall deeply in love with him. The story by Apuleius tells of Cupid's love interest, Psyche, who is human and becomes impregnated by the god. Images of the god were popular among the Greeks and Romans, and this particular design is characteristic of the fourth century AD. The ring was discovered in 2013 and turned in to the Portable Antiquities Scheme, an organisation established in 1997 to facilitate reports of artefact discoveries by amateur metal detectorists Rejected by Cupid's mother, Venus, Psyche takes on impossible tasks to eventually be made immortal. Artistic depictions of the lovers can be seen dating back 2,500 years. Title: Re: 1,700 year old Roman gold ring with portrait of Cupid is found in garden Post by: wagis on November 25, 2015, 02:28:07 PM Fantastic story and a brilliant ring, but whoever Cheyenne Macdonald is I take umbrage to the comment "While amateurs are allowed to search for antiques with metal detectors". Yes some of us are amateurs but a lot are very knowledgeable people and very committed to detecting, I also find the word allowed demeaning as well in this statement.
Title: Re: 1,700 year old Roman gold ring with portrait of Cupid is found in garden Post by: Dryland on November 28, 2015, 01:49:21 AM What a little beauty. The engraving of Cupid looks like it may have been modelled on Geoff having a fag break during a rally ::)
Title: Re: 1,700 year old Roman gold ring with portrait of Cupid is found in garden Post by: Val Beechey on November 28, 2015, 03:28:55 AM Looking more closely at the Cupid I think Geoff would take it as a compliment ::)
What a fantastic find. I am surprised at the poor standard of work on the gold though. They could have learned a bit from the Saxons in that department. Thanks for posting Neil. Title: Re: 1,700 year old Roman gold ring with portrait of Cupid is found in garden Post by: Dryland on November 29, 2015, 02:58:10 AM Val I obviously didn't look as closely as you did :D :D :D
Title: Re: 1,700 year old Roman gold ring with portrait of Cupid is found in garden Post by: dingdong on November 29, 2015, 05:38:46 PM At the risk of repeating myself "such a big fuss over such a little thing !!....LOL😰
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