About this artwork
This large gold ring is engraved with an aristocratic heraldic emblem, a rampant (rearing) lion offset with a circle of beading. When pressed into sealing wax poured on documents or letters, the negative (intaglio) image of the lion produced a positive impression, meant to signify the office or identity of the author. Signet rings like this were used by civic officials or bourgeoning merchants as an expression of political allegiance. They were also worn by members of the aristocratic family whose emblem it represents. Without knowing the heraldic colors, it is difficult to accurately assign the emblem to a specific family. If the ring was indeed discovered in the canal in Bruges, it might signify the lion of the counts and region of Flanders.
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Status
- On View, Gallery 238
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Department
- Applied Arts of Europe
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Title
- Signet Ring
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Place
- Bruges (Object Probably made in)
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Date
- Made 1475–1500
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Medium
- Gold
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Dimensions
- Diam.: 2 cm (3/4 in.)
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Credit Line
- Chester D. Tripp Estate Fund
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Reference Number
- 2016.12
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/229963/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
