Amethyst Bead Necklace

A wooden painted icon of Saint Eleutherios with a repoussé silver oklad that covers all but the face, embossed in rich priestly robes, representing the priest's omophorion decorated with crosses, over an embroidered robe or sticharion, the nimbus gilded and embossed with foliage and rays over a silver background, Greek inscription 'O AΓΙΟΣ ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΟΣ' (Saint Eleutherios) to the sides. 1.9 kg, 37.5 x 28.7 cm



Property of a London lady, part of her family's collection.

As bishop in Illyricum, Eleutherios promoted the cause of at a time when the persecutions not only made it difficult to win and hold converts, but also at a time when the gravest danger was in being a high-ranking prelate of the Church. Oblivious to this threat, he was acclaimed in the inner circle of Christianity as the brightest luminary of Christian Rome since the apostles. His immense popularity grew and thereby became more dangerous to the state. He was finally brought to the attention of Emperor Hadrian, who ordered his arrest, and then cast into prison, tortured, and put to death on December 15th.

A glass cameo with bust of Medusa; imitating agate. 3.72 grams, 18 mm

Very fine condition.

Acquired Munich, Germany, late 1990s. Property of an East London gentleman.

A silver cruciform pendant with lobed arms ornamented with pellets, bearing an image of Christ crucified in low relief, suspension loop above. 5.2 grams, 34 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired on the UK art market in the late 1990s. Property of a UK gentleman.