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Lot 385
An impressive late 16th early 17th century gold and rock crystal signet ring
Closed9 October 2012
Price Realised
GBP 20,000
More Information
An impressive late 16th early 17th century gold and rock crystal signet ring
The oval bezel with painted foiled rock crystal intaglio armorial for Johann Ernst, von Sachsen, Julich, Kleve and Berg, the conjoined coats of arms surmounted with six visored helmet crests comprising: a bull's head, twin horns, mitre cap, jester, griffin and peacock tail representing the Duchies of Kleve-Mark, Thuringen, Sachsen, Meissen, Julich and Berg, the base engraved v(on) G(ottes) G(naden) Johan Ernst H(erzog) Z(u) S(achsen) J(ulich) C(leve) u(nd) B(erg) the mount with black enamel scroll and foliate decoration, circa 1600, finger size T
The oval bezel with painted foiled rock crystal intaglio armorial for Johann Ernst, von Sachsen, Julich, Kleve and Berg, the conjoined coats of arms surmounted with six visored helmet crests comprising: a bull's head, twin horns, mitre cap, jester, griffin and peacock tail representing the Duchies of Kleve-Mark, Thuringen, Sachsen, Meissen, Julich and Berg, the base engraved v(on) G(ottes) G(naden) Johan Ernst H(erzog) Z(u) S(achsen) J(ulich) C(leve) u(nd) B(erg) the mount with black enamel scroll and foliate decoration, circa 1600, finger size T
An impressive late 16th early 17th century gold and rock crystal signet ring
The oval bezel with painted foiled rock crystal intaglio armorial for Johann Ernst, von Sachsen, Julich, Kleve and Berg, the conjoined coats of arms surmounted with six visored helmet crests comprising: a bull's head, twin horns, mitre cap, jester, griffin and peacock tail representing the Duchies of Kleve-Mark, Thuringen, Sachsen, Meissen, Julich and Berg, the base engraved v(on) G(ottes) G(naden) Johan Ernst H(erzog) Z(u) S(achsen) J(ulich) C(leve) u(nd) B(erg) the mount with black enamel scroll and foliate decoration, circa 1600, finger size T
The oval bezel with painted foiled rock crystal intaglio armorial for Johann Ernst, von Sachsen, Julich, Kleve and Berg, the conjoined coats of arms surmounted with six visored helmet crests comprising: a bull's head, twin horns, mitre cap, jester, griffin and peacock tail representing the Duchies of Kleve-Mark, Thuringen, Sachsen, Meissen, Julich and Berg, the base engraved v(on) G(ottes) G(naden) Johan Ernst H(erzog) Z(u) S(achsen) J(ulich) C(leve) u(nd) B(erg) the mount with black enamel scroll and foliate decoration, circa 1600, finger size T
Private collection, Germany; acquired 1960-1981, and thence by descent to the present owner.
Cf. S. Lambert, The Ring, Design, Past and Present Royston, Herts, 2020, p.74 pl.3 for similar ring of similar date and origin which is housed in the Imperial Treasure Museum, Kunsthistorisches, Vienna, also op. cit A.B. Chadour, vol. II, p.202 no. 659
Johann Ernst, Von Sachsen, Julich, Kleve and Berg (1594-1626) was the great grandson of Sibylle von Julich, Kleve and Berg, sister of Anne of Kleve (Cleves) (1515-1554) wife of Henry VIII, King England (1491-1547). Born on 21st February 1594, he was the eldest son of Johann II Duke of Saxe-Weimar and Dorothea Maria of Anhalt. His father died on 18th July 1605 leaving the Duchy to his regent. At the age of 14 Johann Ernst, began his education at the University of Jena and as part of his studies toured France, Great Britain and The Netherlands. He assumed control of the Duchy in 1615 and in 1620 served under Frederick V Elector Palatine (The Winter King) during the 30 Years War and was present at the Battle of White Mountain on 8th November of that Year. Frederick was defeated and as a result of refusing to submit to his Emperor, Johann Ernst lost his estates and the guardianship of his brothers. He continued to fight the Hapsburgs seeing action in the Netherlands, Westphalia and Lower Saxony. He later fought for Count Ernst von Mansfield in Hungary and on 6th December 1626 at Sankt Martin he died of wounds recieved in battle, he was 32 years old.