A rare and contemplative jewel of Georgian mourning culture, this ring centers on an 18th‑century amber intaglio depicting Faith, the allegorical figure of steadfast devotion. The carving glows with the warm translucency characteristic of amber, its modeling giving the figure a quiet, devotional presence.
Within the Neoclassical intaglio, Faith points up toward a break in the clouds, where rays of light descend from above. Beside her is an open book inscribed with the words: “I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVETH — JOB XIX 25”.
At her feet rests a skull, which is not a reminder of mortality, but a sign that death itself has been conquered. Her arm rests on an urn which bears a monogram “E.G.”. Her upward gesture proclaims a triumphant message that faith overcomes death, and the promise of the afterlife prevails.
This very intaglio is recorded in the Beazley Archive at the University of Oxford (Tassie 14805), underscoring its rarity and scholarly significance within the study of engraved gems.
The amber is mounted in a later 18k gold setting, struck with the French eagle assay mark. Signs of age remain. There are very minor surface abrasions to the intaglio, and some warping to the gold band.
Provenance: Sold at Old Master Sculpture & Works of Art, Sotheby’s London, 05 December 2017, Lot 79.
Gold: 18k
Intaglio: 22 mm
Ring size: 10 ¼ (U ½)
Weight: 9.5g
A rare and contemplative jewel of Georgian mourning culture, this ring centers on an 18th‑century amber intaglio depicting Faith, the allegorical figure of steadfast devotion. The carving glows with the warm translucency characteristic of amber, its modeling giving the figure a quiet, devotional presence.
Within the Neoclassical intaglio, Faith points up toward a break in the clouds, where rays of light descend from above. Beside her is an open book inscribed with the words: “I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVETH — JOB XIX 25”.
At her feet rests a skull, which is not a reminder of mortality, but a sign that death itself has been conquered. Her arm rests on an urn which bears a monogram “E.G.”. Her upward gesture proclaims a triumphant message that faith overcomes death, and the promise of the afterlife prevails.
This very intaglio is recorded in the Beazley Archive at the University of Oxford (Tassie 14805), underscoring its rarity and scholarly significance within the study of engraved gems.
The amber is mounted in a later 18k gold setting, struck with the French eagle assay mark. Signs of age remain. There are very minor surface abrasions to the intaglio, and some warping to the gold band.
Provenance: Sold at Old Master Sculpture & Works of Art, Sotheby’s London, 05 December 2017, Lot 79.
Gold: 18k
Intaglio: 22 mm
Ring size: 10 ¼ (U ½)
Weight: 9.5g
