Bronze Roman Style Soldier Statuette

Mary portrayed with sorrow expression, seated on a marble bench, cradling the body of Jesus on her lap; the maphorion of Mary rendered in red carmine with geometrically shaped folds, embellished with a golden hem, lined internally in grey; the neck and throat of Mary covered by a white fabric, according to the fashion of the time; the haloes decorated with elaborate floral patterns, against a brilliant gold background; on the bottom, hooked rope used for lowering the body from the cross. 2.6 kg, 53 x 45.5 cm with frame

Vertical crack restored, areas of retouching

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 search certificate no.12792-240886. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The painting belongs to the 16th century Veneto-Cretan School. The Venetians, masters of Crete since the 13th century AD, encouraged their Greek subjects to keep and develop their Christian religious traditions while at the same time bringing them into contact with intellectual trends current in Western Europe. The new artistic currents and the great Byzantine tradition were transferred to the Island which was able to adopt that tradition and create a new one. The icon painters were organised into a guild - the Scuola di San Luca - which promoted a specific post-Byzantine style through a system of instruction and apprenticeship which lasted for more than two centuries.

Tempera on wood panel, on a golden background, erect figure in three-quarter view in dark cowl and habit, holding a staff in both hands; halo ornately punched; the staff with nimbus finial surrounding majuscule legend 'CHA/RI/TAS' ('love, charity'); transverse mounting block to reverse and holes for another. 168 grams, 18.5 x 13 cm



Acquired on the European art market. Private collection, London, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Francis of Paola (1416-1507) was an Italian monk and the founder of the Order of Minims, a religious order focused on humility, penance, and charity. Born in Paola, Calabria, he was known for his ascetic lifestyle and deep spirituality. Francis was credited with performing miracles, including healing the sick and even crossing the sea on his cloak. He became a spiritual advisor to King Louis XI of France in his final years. Canonized in 1519, Francis of Paola is venerated as the patron saint of sailors and fishermen, symbolising humility and devotion to God.

Including 'Meat is Murder', 'Vegetarians Against the Nazis' and other types. 29 grams total, 39-44 mm



From the private collection of a S.W. London gentleman, acquired in the 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.