English, 1759 | Mourning Ring for George Frederic Handel (1685-1759)

Christie's, London 9 October 2012, lot 402

G. Zick, Gedenke mein: Freundschafts- und Memorialschmuck, Dortmund, 1980, pl. 18

This important mourning ring is dedicated to the celebrated German born British baroque composer George Frederic Handel. Handel worked for both George I and George II, the latter for whom he composed his famous coronation anthems including Zadok the Priest (1727). His most famous works are, of course, Messiah (1741) and the Music for the Royal Fireworks (1749). Handel was buried according to his wishes at Westminster Abbey, where a monument by Louis Francois Roubiliac was later erected in his honour.

The present ring, which was published by Zick in 1980, would have been worn by someone who was close to Handel. In the 18th century people often left provision in their wills for mourning rings to be made, and provided lists of recipients. In some circumstances mourners commissioned such rings themselves. The purpose of such rings was, of course, to commemorate the dead.