A Roman onyx cameo portrait of Hercules, circa 3rd century AD. Estimation: USD 8,000 - 12,000. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

Carved in two layers, white on black, with a bust of the hero in profile to the left, the pelt of the Nemean lion tied at his neck; mounted as a ring in a modern gold setting - ½ in. (1.2 cm.) long; ring size 8 ½

PROVENANCE: with Joseph G. Gerena, New York, 1999.

Notes: This cameo is identifiable as the mythological hero Hercules due to the presence of the lion skin worn around his shoulders. Hercules' first task in a series of twelve assigned by his cousin and nemesis King Eurythesus was to defeat the Nemean lion, a mythological beast who according to legend had impenetrable fur and claws stronger than mortal weapons. Hercules' succeeded in killing the lion by first stunning it with his club, and then strangling it to death with his super strength. He then proceeded to skin the beast using its own claw, and wore its pelt for protection in his future labors.

Christie's. Ancient Jewelry sale - Online auctions December 1 -10.