Ca. 1800 AD. A gold ring of a wide hoop, with its ornate detailing, speaks of the elegant craftsmanship of the era, while the large rectangular bezel allows for the striking intaglio to take center stage. The intaglio depicts a gryllos, a grotesque creature from ancient Greek and Roman art. In this particular intaglio, we see a right-facing youthful face with wavy, flouncing hair and another face on top of the head. The gryllos was a popular motif in ancient art and was often used as a decorative element in architecture, pottery, and jewelry. It was believed to be a symbol of good luck and protection from evil spirits. The depiction of grylloi in ancient art varied widely, from fantastical creatures to more human-like figures, and they were often used in a decorative context. In this neoclassical ring, the gryllos motif has been beautifully adapted to fit the more refined and elegant aesthetic of the era.Size: D: 18.54mm / US: 8 1/2 / UK: Q 1/2; 8.55gProvenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1980s.