Roman Gold ring with agate intaglio depicting Eros on the back of a dolphin. Eros (Cupid) riding a dolphin was a common motif in Greek and Roman art. As the god of love, Eros is closely linked to Aphrodite (Venus), who herself has strong marine associations: according to myth she was born from sea foam after the Titan Uranus’s severed genitals fell into the ocean. The Latin poet Nonnus, in his 5th-century AD epic the Dionysiaca, relates that a dolphin bore Aphrodite from the sea to Cyprus. Depictions of Eros on a dolphin also appear frequently on Roman coins (both Republican and Imperial) and in mosaics and frescoes. Circa 1st-2nd.Century Ad. Measurements: Ring inside 19.4mm. Weight:8.85g. Provenance: London private collection from 1990 Previously in London private collection 1970-1990 Certificate of Authenticity (COA) For any item sold over 200 euros, a Certificate of Authenticity may be requested within 5 days of the auction date. Please note that all certificates are provided in digital PDF format and will not be included in the package. Instructions on how to obtain your COA will be sent once your order has been shipped. We recommend that you follow this procedure for a hassle-free experience. **Insurance:** All of our packages are shipped with external insurance. Please monitor the online tracking and report any issues to us immediately. In the event of damage, please remember to note the reservation on the delivery note, keep all packaging, take photos of the damage and report the issue to us immediately. Thank you for your attention and good luck with your bidding! The seller can prove that the lot was acquired legally, and the declaration of origin has been seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he has the right to send this lot. The SELLER will take care of all necessary permits. The seller will inform the contractor if this takes more than a few days.