A hardstone cameo ring

Carved to depict Hercules, leaning against his club, after the 'Farnese Hercules', collet set between knot form shoulders, to reeded shank, ring size S. Sold for £380 plus Premium and tax

Note: Hercules was a Greek hero, who undertook twelve great labours and was made immortal upon his death. This carving is after the 'Farnese Hercules', a sculpture by Glycon, discovered in 1540 and now in Museo Nazionale Archeologico, Naples. The naked muscular figure of Hercules is shown resting against his club with the pelt of the Nemean lion, which he killed with his bare hands as the first of his labours.

Bonhams. Jewellery, 8 Jan 2008. Oxford