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LOT 1984
Bronze Figure of a Bird Catcher
18TH-19TH CENTURY A.D.
10 1/2 in. (6.2 kg, 29.5 cm).
Clad in garments evoking the Middle Ages, modelled in the round stalking his prey with a cage in one hand and a cudgel or baton held in the other, ready to strike; a number of birds suspended from his belt, together with other pouches; mounted on a veined granite base.
ProvenancePrivate collection, England.
LiteratureCf. C. Avery, Giambologna - Sculptor to the Medici, London, 1987, p.266 no.113.
FootnotesExecuted in the style of Giambologna (Giovanni da Bologna, 1529-1608), the famed Florentine sculptor whose work was favoured by the Medici family. It is similar to another bronze in the Detroit Institute of Art, where it is ascribed to Antonio Susini, a student of Giambologna.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1984
Bronze Figure of a Bird Catcher
Estimate £800 - 1,000€930 - 1,160 (for guidance only)$1,080 - 1,350 (for guidance only)
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Jadeite Pendant Necklace with 'Rubies' and Other Cabochons
Late 19th-early 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Plaque with floral design comprising inset glass cabochons, synthetic rubies and gold-coloured wire detailing, central floral plaque. 100 grams, pendant height: 98 mm
Property of a South West London gentleman. -
Medieval Style 'Billy and Charlie' Fantasy Pendant
19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
By William Smith and Charles Eaton; obverse: robed figure with keys; reverse: two combatants with swords. 78 grams, 95 mm
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
"Billy and Charlies", also known as the Shadwell forgeries, refer to a very extensive series of fake antiquities made in Victorian London by William Smith (Billy) and Charles Eaton (Charley). They were mudlarks who searched the Thames for items of value. William Edwards, a London antique dealer, made Billy's acquaintance around 1845, and he met Charley some years later. He paid them for items of interest that they found. Billy and Charley earned money from this until 1857, when they decided to counterfeit antiquities. They cast objects from lead or pewter, cutting dies into plaster of Paris moulds with nails and knives, and bathing the finished items in acid to simulate aging. Their commonest products were medallions, but others included daggers, statuettes, ampullae and even small shrines; as they were both illiterate the inscriptions on many of the objects are nonsense. They sold their forgeries to very prominent collectors of the time who thought they were genuine. Eventually, due to the large volume of objects that were appearing on the market, they were arrested and tried at court though they could not be found guilty of any crime at the time. They were released and carried on producing fakes but their style of manufacture had become well known and they eventually disappeared from history. -
Carnelian Gemstone with Venus Playing with Cupid
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Discoid plaque with intaglio scene of Venus seated on a tree-stump holding a bow in its quiver above the head of Cupid playing at her feet; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 2.8 grams, 20 mm
with Bertolami, Auction 56, London, 11 March 2018, no.88. Private collection, England.
