Byzantine Style Agate Cameo Depicting Christ Blessing

Modelled in the round with legs straddling a saddle, layered armour over a tunic with left bell-sleeve, riding boots; the head clean-shaven and bare with collar-length hair; left hand extended to grip reins and right hand raised to wield a spear; mounted on a custom-made stand. 2.71 kg total, 31 cm including stand



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Painted on a wooden board with mounting slots and panels to the reverse, gessoed surface with painting of the Virgin of Kazan, head of Mary with gilded nimbus and russet-coloured veil, standing infant Jesus similarly nimbate with right hand raised in the pax gesture; gilt monograms to the upper corners and title to the lower left corner. 968 grams, 31 cm high

Fine condition.

Ex property of a London lady, part of her family's collection.

The original icon, also known as the Theotokos of Kazan, is thought to have originated in Constantinople in the 13th century before it was taken to Russia. When the Turks took over Kazan in 1438, the icon was most probably hidden to keep it safe. Ivan the Terrible liberated Kazan in 1552, and the town was destroyed by fire in 1579, after which the icon was found and brought to the Church of Saint Nicholas. It was subsequently stolen in 1904 and never found again, though there are many copies in existence.

Comprising: squat teapot with loop handle and short spout, low-relief dragon detailing to each side, conical lid with separate handle formed as a dragon's head; three cups with lids, each with carinated profile, loop handle, incised foliage motif, separate lid with knop handle. 1.04 kg total, 7.9-20 cm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an Italian gentleman living in Essex.