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Description: I do not know where to start with describing this ring. It has been the subject of research for some time. II think the first think I should say is that it is absolutely huge in size - so much so that I wonder whether it is actually a ring at all. It has been suggested that it might be an investiture piece to be worn on a chain or silk cord.
I believe this is a nineteenth century copy of a fifteenth century ring commonly called a papal ring. The purpose of the fifteenth century
originals is not clear, they may have been used as emblems of investiture or as credentials for nuncios carrying papal documents. They
are generally of low intrinsic value, made of copper or gilt bronze and set with glass or paste stones. They usually bear the arms of cardinals, archbishops or popes and symbols such as mitres, papal tiaras or crossed keys and are often very massive. References can be found in fifteenth century documents to rings fitting this description and a large number still survive. It seems unlikely that they were actually worn by popes, due to their low value and the fact that a number of examples bearing the arms of the same pope survive.
In the nineteenth century, this type of ring became popular amongst collectors although their provenance is as yet mysterious. The
nineteenth century copies differ from the originals in their extremely large size and the incorporation of small, often velvet lined containers in the bezel. They are generally decorated with Renaissance style ornament or papal heraldry, sometimes accurate but often fantastical. Their exact purpose is unknown, they would have been too large and heavy to have been worn as rings but might have served as desk ornaments. The Renaissance originals do not seem to have the small boxes in the bezel nor the cameo which your ring has. They also seem to have been smaller than the very massive 19th century type.
Examples of fifteenth century types can be found in the British Museum and the V&A. The Koch collection in Germany has both original and nineteenth century copies. Interesting parallels to this ring can be found in Chadour, Anna Beatriz, Rings: the Alice and Louis Koch collection, W.S. Maney and Son Ltd, Leeds, 1994 volume II, catalogue
numbers 1635-7.
Papal rings are a tricky subject which haven't yet been fully researched. Both the function and making of the
originals and their popularity in the 19th century need further work.
I believe it is an Ecclesiastical Patriarch / Bishops / Cardinals Ring. The large size of such rings in the middle ages was intentional as they were made to wear over gloves and designed to be seen at huge distance by the crowds.
It is made from mixed metals. The main metal appears to be Iron (sticks to a magnet). The bezels surrounding the cameos are a yellow metal Brass ?? The ornate decoration tests as silver. There are two cameos and I am uncertain whether one is a replacement.
The seal top is iron and the central shield and cross with five crescents are the arms of the Piccolomini family. Surrounding the shield is the hat and tassels symbols that represent the office of Ecclesiastical Patriarch / Bishop or Cardinal. The Piccolomini family have a well documented lineage which includes the successful nomination of two Popes. These were Pope Pius II (1458-1464 ) and Pope Pius III (1503-1503) . Both of these popes bore this family arms during their Papacy.
The seal top does open to reveal an inner compartment. This most likely held an icon or other item of religious significance There are traces of a pitch type substance on the interior compartment. It is interesting to note that the right side edge of the seal device is narrower than the left side edge.
I can only suggest that the reason behind reproducing such a piece would lay in regional pride of those who admired the Pope for his adventurous life, dedication to art, architecture, and expansion of the Sienna region. This man brought importance and prosperity to the Sienna area that lasted decades. Maybe a piece such as this was made to remember the man, his life, and work.
Marks: None
Size: The head measures 1 1/2 x 1 5/8 inches and standing on the seal part it stands 1 7/8 inches high. It measures english ring size R 1/2 or US size 9
Age: See above description. Is this a 15th century ring or a 19th century copy.
Weight: 102.1 grams
Condition: Very Good Condition
Status: For Sale
Price: £750.00 |
