Anastasia Avante-Garde Fashion Portrait Editorial Proof by Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin

Resin casting of the tablet with ornament; obverse: frieze with two opposed standing figures below a pediment with mythological creatures, cuneiform text below and in the scene; reverse: dense panel of cuneiform text; cosmological symbols to upper edge; mounted on a custom-made stand. 1.15 kg total, 21 cm including stand



From the collection of David Donlan (1947-2025), a dedicated and lifelong collector with a passion for the ancient world and the natural sciences, forming his collection from 1960s onwards, using many reputable dealers across the United Kingdom, including the well-regarded Coincraft and The Parthenon Gallery.

Formed as a hand showing figa gesture, silver mount with applied twisted wires; attachment loop and ring to the top. 19.6 grams, 56 mm



Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market.

Mano Fico, as protective amulets have been used since the ancient world, it was believed to protect from the evil eye and other dark and magical forces and to promote fertility. In ancient Rome, the fig sign, or mano fico, was made by the pater familias (father of the family) to ward off the evil spirits of the dead as a part of the Lemuria ritual. The ancient Greeks wore amulets of the gesture around the neck to protect from the evil eye, and also used the gesture in artwork. What they considered an overtly sexual gesture was expected to distract evil spirits from causing harm. The pendant would have been worn from a belt or from a chatelaine containing other protective talismans. This carving would have served as a token representing a person's pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, one of the very few places in which jet can be found and mined since at least the Middle Ages.

Framed with a white card reveal, photographic print in muted colours of Kate Moss's face and hair; with collector's slip stating (inter alia) 'Archive Date: 12/06/01' and 'Historical Significance: This photograph was originally shot for the iconic March 2001 cover story of i-D Magazine (The Beyond Price" issue, No.207). The Madrid archive date from June 2001 traks the exact moment the imagery was licensed and prepped for a premium Spanish style monthly or photography retrospective following the global announcement of Moss's first pregnancy." 174 grams, 35.5 x 28 cm including frame



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Harwich, UK, collector.