Sphragides: Die Gravierten Fingerringe des Hellenismus

This study is concerned with the examination of Hellenistic finger-rings, defined as such by their pictorial engravings. The principal aim of this art-historical and historical study is to provide a chronological framework for the designs, made difficult by the fact that these desirable items are often held in private collections. Motifs include Greek gods and goddesses, Hellenistic-Egyptian symbols as well as family emblems. The pictorial representations are compared with general trends in Hellenistic art and the production of finger-rings is examined in relation to Hellenistic material culture in general. This rigorous and scientific examination, focusing on the late 4th to mid 2nd century BC, concludes with a catalogue of 174 motifs.