Circa 100-200 AD A finely modelled gold ring with tapering band, the bezel oval in shape, depicting Serapis wearing the modius (corn measure) expressing his role as guarantor of the fertility of Egypt. Isis behind with sun disc crown. The gem reflects Roman interest in Egyptian cults. The oval intaglio is mounted within a gold ring with tapering band towards the bezel. The Ashmolean has a very fine collection of Greek and Roman engraved gems, but this is the first example with confronted pairs of deities to enter the collection. In Ancient Roman culture and mythology, Cupid was the god of love who was capable of making divine or mortal individuals fall in love with his enchanted arrows. Cupid is generally represented as a cute chubby boy with wings, carrying a bow and a quiver of arrows. For similar see: Cf. Henig, M.; Classical Gems, The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. Size: D: 16.1mm / US: 5 1/2 / UK: L; 15.08g Provenance: Property of a London Ancient Art Gallery; formerly in the famous Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; acquired between early 1960s to 1990s.