This late Roman gold ring, discovered two years ago at Tangley, north of Andover, holds significant historical and artistic value. It qualifies as "treasure" according to the definition outlined in the Treasure Act, and its registration, appraisal, and publication were overseen by the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
The ring has been acquired by the Hampshire Cultural Trust, and its display coincides with its publication. The ring, featuring a beautifully cut intaglio, has garnered attention both in scholarly circles, with its publication in Britannia magazine, and in various media outlets. The intaglio itself depicts Cupid, the winged god of love, in a rather languid and mischievous pose. Cupid is seen leaning on a short spiral column and holding a flaming torch above his head, which he later uses to burn Psyche in her butterfly form.
Similar examples of this type of ring can be found in the National Museum in Vienna, and there are even closer parallels in one of the rings from the Silchester Hoard. This discovery offers valuable insights into the artistry and symbolism of the late Roman period, providing a glimpse into the cultural and aesthetic preferences of the time.