Ring
late 17th century (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Rulers, both secular and religious, often gave objects engraved with their image such as rings and medallions to people they wanted to reward, or to acknowledge a particular service. These would be worn with pride as a sign of the wearer's political favour and connections. The gold medal set under a crystal in this ring shows Pope Innocent XI (1611-1689), a reforming Pope who attempted to curb nepotism and corruption at the Papal court. The 19th century owner of the ring, Edmund Waterton, held offices in the papal court and was an ardent Catholic. The association of this ring with the Pope would have brought him particular pleasure.
This ring forms part of a collection of 760 rings and engraved gems from the collection of Edmund Waterton (1830-87). Waterton was one of the foremost ring collectors of the nineteenth century and was the author of several articles on rings, a book on English devotion to the Virgin Mary and an unfinished catalogue of his collection (the manuscript is now the National Art Library). Waterton was noted for his extravagance and financial troubles caused him to place his collection in pawn with the London jeweller Robert Phillips. When he was unable to repay the loan, Phillips offered to sell the collection to the Museum and it was acquired in 1871. A small group of rings which Waterton had held back were acquired in 1899.
This ring forms part of a collection of 760 rings and engraved gems from the collection of Edmund Waterton (1830-87). Waterton was one of the foremost ring collectors of the nineteenth century and was the author of several articles on rings, a book on English devotion to the Virgin Mary and an unfinished catalogue of his collection (the manuscript is now the National Art Library). Waterton was noted for his extravagance and financial troubles caused him to place his collection in pawn with the London jeweller Robert Phillips. When he was unable to repay the loan, Phillips offered to sell the collection to the Museum and it was acquired in 1871. A small group of rings which Waterton had held back were acquired in 1899.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Silver-gilt set with a faceted crystal and garnets with gold |
Brief description | Silver-gilt ring, the circular bezel set with a faceted crystal enclosing a gold medal of Pope Innocent XI (1676-1689), with garnets on the shoulders, Italy, late 17th century |
Physical description | Silver-gilt ring, the circular bezel set with a faceted crystal enclosing a gold medal of Pope Innocent XI. With garnets set on the shoulders |
Dimensions |
|
Object history | ex Waterton Collection |
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | Rulers, both secular and religious, often gave objects engraved with their image such as rings and medallions to people they wanted to reward, or to acknowledge a particular service. These would be worn with pride as a sign of the wearer's political favour and connections. The gold medal set under a crystal in this ring shows Pope Innocent XI (1611-1689), a reforming Pope who attempted to curb nepotism and corruption at the Papal court. The 19th century owner of the ring, Edmund Waterton, held offices in the papal court and was an ardent Catholic. The association of this ring with the Pope would have brought him particular pleasure. This ring forms part of a collection of 760 rings and engraved gems from the collection of Edmund Waterton (1830-87). Waterton was one of the foremost ring collectors of the nineteenth century and was the author of several articles on rings, a book on English devotion to the Virgin Mary and an unfinished catalogue of his collection (the manuscript is now the National Art Library). Waterton was noted for his extravagance and financial troubles caused him to place his collection in pawn with the London jeweller Robert Phillips. When he was unable to repay the loan, Phillips offered to sell the collection to the Museum and it was acquired in 1871. A small group of rings which Waterton had held back were acquired in 1899. |
Bibliographic references |
|
Collection | |
Accession number | 928-1871 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | July 17, 2006 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest