Anti-Extinction and Friends of the Earth Vintage Pin Badge Collection

Tempera on wood panel depicting the Archangel Michael standing on a red cushion in the guise of a guardian angel, holding a drawn sword in his right hand and a scabbard in his other hand; the face with a brown base, features formed in shades of tan and beige with white highlights on a terracotta and deep green background. 3.5 kg, 70 x 38 cm with frame



Acquired on the European art market. Private collection, London, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12844-240885. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Even after the fall of Constantinople, icons painted on wood remained the principal object of devotion for Orthodox Christians both within the former borders of Byzantium and wherever the commonwealth of the Eastern Roman Empire left its traces. The painted icons are still today used by the Orthodox for personal devotion, for display in churches on feast days, and to decorate the iconostasis (partition) of the church, i.e. the dividing wall erected in front of the Bema, where the sacred altar of the Apse is collocated. The Archangel Michael was the commander of the Heavenly Host, and venerated by military men and the common people as one of the most powerful protector saints.

Comprising a D-section hoop, lobe to the underside with inset turquoise cabochon, lobe to each shoulder, applied crocodile supporters on flat cruciform plaque with open mouths, discoid cell inset with garnet cabochon, intaglio crowned profile bust. 47.11 grams, 46.70 mm overall, 19.23 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)



Acquired on the UK art market 1971-1974. From the private collection of a Kent, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Hook-and-eye fastener each part formed as a crescent moon with face in profile and a star between the horns of the moon. 11.92 grams, 70 mm



Found East Anglia, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.