An ancient Renaissance gold ring with IHS monogram and winged angelic face (Sherub head) above

This elegant gold ring from the 16th century embodies the spirit of the Renaissance, a time when art, faith, and personal devotion were deeply intertwined. This is a large ring, likely worn over a glove; as was the fashion. Such a ring would have been a costly and important jewel owned by a wealthy religious person.

The IHS Christogram is interpreted as meaning Iesus Hominum Salvator (“Jesus, Saviour of men” in Latin). The use of the ‘IHS’ monogram as decoration is a late 14th to early/mid 15th century fashion which came into utilisation on various different types of metal items, including buckle plates, strap-ends and book fittings. This abbreviation was given particular prominence from the 15th century by the Franciscan preacher Saint Bernadino of Siena. He persuaded warring Italian city states to lay down their arms and replace them with banners bearing the letters IHS.

The small face with wings engraved at the top of the ring bezel is a subtle yet meaningful detail, characteristic of Renaissance iconography of angels and celestial beings.
During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, so-called “cherub heads”, winged angelic faces without bodies, became a popular motif in religious art, sculpture, and goldsmith work. These designs were inspired by biblical descriptions of cherubim and seraphim, angels placed close to the throne of God.

In jewellery and devotional objects, such motifs symbolised heavenly guardianship and divine protection. Their placement above or around the IHS monogram (the name of Jesus) reinforced the spiritual significance of the piece: the angel served as a celestial protector of the divine name. 

Wearing a ring with Christian symbols was an outward sign of faith and allowed the wearer to incorporate their religious devotions into daily life.

Material: gold, high carat (XRF-scan available soon)
Weight: 4,30 gram
Date: Renaissance, 16th century AD
Measurement: overall: 23 x 23 mm, ringsize: 21 mm (USA: 11,5)
Condition: Extremely fine condition

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