Ring
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. The raised inscription around the hoop reads 'EPISC. LVGVDVN' suggesting that it may have been associated with a Bishop, although no figure has been identified with certainty.
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 cast bronze set with a point-cut crystal |
| Brief description | Gilt bronze Papal ring, the rectangular bezel set with a point-cut crystal. The shoulders engraved with the Virgin and Child, a pot containing a lily and a half-figure of an Abbess with a book. The hoop inscribed EPISC. LVGDVN., Italy, 15th century |
| Physical description | Gilt bronze Papal ring, the rectangular bezel set with a point-cut crystal. The shoulders engraved with the Virgin and Child with a flower pot containing a lily in low relief and a half-figure of an Abbess with a book. A hat with tassels on the front and back of the bezel. The hoop inscribed EPISC. LVGDVN. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | inscribed EPISC. LVGDVN. (The hoop) |
| Object history | Historical significance: Perhaps relating to an Archbishop of Lyons, or a Bishop of Laon or St. Bertrand de Cominges. Oman: 'Compare a very similar ring with the same arms and inscription in the British Museum (Dalton 861). Many conjectures have been made regarding these two rings (compare O. Morgan, Arch. Journal, 1857, p. 178). No Archbishop of Lyons nor any Bishop of Laon (Lugdunum Clavatum) or of St. Bertrand de Comminges (Lugdunum Convenarum), is known to have used these arms. A certain John, who was Bishop of St Bertrand de Comminges in 1465 and was not of armorial family, may possibly have adopted them. The arms are those in use for the 'sede vacante' administration of the Holy See.' |
| 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. The raised inscription around the hoop reads 'EPISC. LVGVDVN' suggesting that it may have been associated with a Bishop, although no figure has been identified with certainty. 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. |
| Bibliographic reference | Oman, Charles, Catalogue of rings in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1930, reprinted Ipswich, 1993, cat. 933 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 741-1877 |
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| Record created | April 21, 2006 |
| Record URL |
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