Heliotrope gem in modern silver ring: Solar child on lotus flower

PP-ID:

PP-2440

Classification:

gem, magical

Collection ID:

AT-Wien-KM_IX B 1248

Collection:

Wien, Kunsthistorisches Museum

Collection Inventory:

IX B 1248

Reference Numbers:

Zwierlein-Diehl, AGWien III, 2197; Michel, DMG, no. 19.1.a_3; CBd, no. 2440

Former Collections:

Moschettini, Girolamo de' (1755–1832)

Material:

jasper, green and red

Dimensions:

15 × 10.4 (si.O.) × 2.3 mm

Date:

2nd half of 2nd–1st half of 3rd c. AD (Zwierlein-Diehl)

Iconography:

solar child sitting on lotus flower; solar child seated with knees drawn up; side-lock of youth; solar disk; hand raised to mouth; flail; lotus buds (2)

Provenience:

Aquileia

Dark green jasper with a wide red band over the figure (heliotrope). Upright oval and flat. (Shape 8). Mounted in a modern silver ring.
From Aquileia. Purchased from Girolamo de' Moschettini in 1826.

Side A: The solar child sitting nude with his knees drawn up, to left, on a lotus flower with two buds. Crowned with a solar disk and wearing the side-lock of youth, he raises his right hand to the mouth, while his left hand, bent in elbow, holds a flail.
Side B: Hidden.

Selected bibliography
• Zwierlein-Diehl, AGWien III >>, 160, no. 2197; click here for a full-text excerpt.
• Michel, DMG >>, no. 19.1.a_3.