ITEM: Ring depicting goddess Nike
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Greek, Hellenistic period
PERIOD: 3rd - 1st Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 16 mm x 12 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Austrian private collection, acquired before 1990s

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Hellenistic rings, particularly those depicting the goddess Nike, are a fascinating aspect of ancient Greek jewelry that reflect the artistry and cultural values of the period. The Hellenistic era, known for its cultural fusion and artistic innovation following the conquests of Alexander the Great, saw the proliferation of intricate and symbolic jewelry. Rings featuring the goddess Nike, the personification of victory, were especially popular. These rings were typically crafted from gold and sometimes adorned with gemstones, showcasing the high level of craftsmanship and the importance of luxury in Hellenistic society. The depiction of Nike often featured her in dynamic poses, emphasizing her association with speed and triumph.

The choice of Nike as a motif on rings is significant, as it highlights the value placed on victory and success in Hellenistic culture. Nike was not only a symbol of military success but also of personal achievement and prosperity. Wearing a ring with Nike's image could be seen as a talisman, invoking her favor and ensuring success in various endeavors. This period also saw the influence of Greek culture spreading throughout the Mediterranean and Near East, and jewelry featuring Nike would have been a recognizable and desirable symbol for those wishing to associate themselves with Greek ideals of excellence and victory.

The craftsmanship of Hellenistic rings depicting Nike is notable for its detailed and expressive artistry. Goldsmiths employed advanced techniques such as filigree, granulation, and repoussé to create intricate designs that captured the essence of Nike's divine attributes. The rings often showed her with wings outstretched or in the act of crowning a victor, symbolizing the bestowal of honor and glory.