A new exhibition at the Cloisters in Manhattan, “Treasures and Talismans: Rings From the Griffin Collection,” put together by C. Griffith Mann, curator of the Department of Medieval Art and the Cloisters, explores the subtle meanings behind beloved pieces of jewelry.
A number of ancient and medieval rings, on long-term loan to the museum, are shown in a wider historical and cultural context in the exhibition. Displayed alongside the jewels is a curated selection of paintings and sculptures borrowed from the museum’s Greek and Roman Art, European Paintings, and Robert Lehman Collection.
Color is an important factor in antique jewelry, in some cases more than a stone’s clarity. This can be seen in a 14th century Italian gothic love ring, “Corte Porta Amor,” in which a heart-shaped ruby is nestled into a gold ring which is inscribed with “The Heart Brings Love to You” in Latin.
Although by today’s standards the opaque stone may look a bit dull, the deep color nonetheless translates its messages of love to viewers across the centuries.
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