Ring
late 15th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Very large gilt bronze or copper rings set with glass or crystal bezels are often known as Papal rings. They are decorated with the arms of Popes or Cardinals from the 15th century along with papal keys and tiaras and are usually distinguished by their great size and low intrinsic value. Their exact function is unknown but it has been suggested that they were worn as credentials by mounted couriers between Popes and other church figures and sovereigns. They served to prove the identity of the messager but were not of a value which would tempt thieves.
These rings were very popular with nineteenth century antiquarians and it is likely that out of the 100 plus surviving examples, some were made later to satisfy the demands of collectors.
These rings were very popular with nineteenth century antiquarians and it is likely that out of the 100 plus surviving examples, some were made later to satisfy the demands of collectors.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Gilt and engraved bronze set with a table-cut crystal |
| Brief description | Gilt bronze Papal ring, the rectangular bezel set with a table-cut crystal. The shoulders with the tiara and arms of Pope Sixtus IV (1471-84) in relief and inscribed, Italy, late 15th century |
| Physical description | Gilt bronze Papal ring, the rectangular bezel set with a table-cut crystal in a 6-cusp collet. The shoulders with the tiara and arms of Pope Sixtus IV (1471-84) in relief and inscribed SIXTVS. PAPA. QUARTVS Symbols of the Evangelists on the front and back of the bezel |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Object history | Ex Bernal Collection: the collection of Ralph Bernal was sold at Christie's London from 5 March to 30 April 1855. |
| Historical context | These types of rings are distinguished by their massive size and low intrinsic worth. It is believed they were used as credentials by mounted couriers. The size of the rings made it possible for them to be worn over riding gloves and the low value helped preserve their wearers from attacks by robbers on the road |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Very large gilt bronze or copper rings set with glass or crystal bezels are often known as Papal rings. They are decorated with the arms of Popes or Cardinals from the 15th century along with papal keys and tiaras and are usually distinguished by their great size and low intrinsic value. Their exact function is unknown but it has been suggested that they were worn as credentials by mounted couriers between Popes and other church figures and sovereigns. They served to prove the identity of the messager but were not of a value which would tempt thieves. These rings were very popular with nineteenth century antiquarians and it is likely that out of the 100 plus surviving examples, some were made later to satisfy the demands of collectors. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 2107-1855 |
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| Record created | April 21, 2006 |
| Record URL |
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