Antique Sphinx on a Marble Base

Depicting Christ Pantocrator and Saint John on his side, hand of Mary visible on the left; the Lord of the Universe represented seated upon a cushioned throne, the right hand in blessing gesture, the left hand holding a Gospel decorated with precious stones; wearing a blue chlamys and red sticharion; Saint John in proskynesis in front of Christ, dressed in a brown vestis talaris; the head of both surrounded by a red halo; later wire for hanging to the reverse with an information sheet in German. 1.8 kg, 57 cm



Ex Hargesheimen Auction House, Dusseldorf, Germany. Property of a London, UK, gentleman collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

The icon represents a middle section from a Deesis of a church iconostasis. Although preserved as a fragment, it is designed in the high style of the late 16th century.

With rosette cluster to each arm and hub, central cell with inset rock crystal(?) stud, floral detailing to the reverse, loop with rosettes. 8.2 grams, 43 mm



From the collection of a European lady; part of a private collection formed in Germany in the 1990s. Property of a Californian, USA, collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Carved hardstone amulet comprising a phallus developing to a male head with flange ears, incised scaphoid eyes, broad slit mouth; after the antique. 103 grams total, 75 mm



Acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.