Engraved Ring with Nike Crowned by Eros (Front impression)

The bezel of this gold ring is engraved with Nike, the personification of Victory, shown seated in a relaxed pose with her right arm hanging down the back of the chair and her left hand resting on her thigh. She lowers her head slightly as a tiny Eros flies up to crown her with a wreath. The goddess wears a belted chiton with a himation (mantle) wrapped around her legs, and a pendant earring. Her hair is rolled back from her brow and tied in a chignon at the nape of the neck.

Engraved gold rings were used as seals, but were also decorative items of jewelry. As with this example, their devices often referenced or enhanced the attractiveness of the wearer: the image of Nike being crowned by Eros perhaps symbolizes the victory of love, a fitting image in this context. The style of engraving – especially the treatment of the goddess’ wings and hair – is paralleled by a number of other gold rings also depicting Nike, demonstrating her increased popularity in the art of the Late Classical period.