Description
The intaglio representing Marcellus (42-23 BC), the nephew of Emperor Augustus, is attributed to Nathaniel Marchant, an English gem carver who worked in Rome from 1772 to 1788.

Ring with Intaglio of Marcellus
Exhibitions
- Jewelry - Ancient to Modern. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1979-1980.
Provenance
George Spencer, fourth Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, by 1817, [mode of acquisition unknown] [Marlborough no. 411]; George Spencer-Churchill, fifth Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, 1817, by bequest; George Spencer-Churchill, sixth Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, 1840, by bequest; John Spencer-Churchill, seventh Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, 1857, by bequest; Sale, The Marlborough Gems, Christie, Manson & Woods, London, 28 June 1875, p. 66, lot 411; David Bromilow, Bitteswell Hall, Leicestershire, ca. 1875, by purchase; Julia Bromilow Jary, Bitteswell Hall, Leicestershire, 1898, by bequest; Sale, The Marlborough Gems Purchased by the Late David Bromilow, esq., Christie, Manson & Woods, London, 26 June 1899, p. 74, lot 411; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1899, by purchase [Dikran Kelekian as agent]; Sadie Jones (Mrs. Henry Walters), New York, 1931, by bequest; Joseph Brummer, Paris and New York, 1941, by purchase [Brummer inv. no. N5143a]; Walters Art Museum, 1942, by purchase.
Credit
Museum purchase [formerly part of the Walters Collection], 1942
Creator
- Nathaniel Marchant (English, 1739-1816) (?) (Engraver (Inciser))
Period
late 18th centuryAccession Number
42.1137Measurements
11/16 x 11/16 in. (1.8 x 1.7 cm)Geographies
- Italy, Rome (Place of Origin)