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_900x900.jpg "Caravaca de la Cruz Bronze Cross Pendant")
_200x200.jpg "Caravaca de la Cruz Bronze Cross Pendant")
.jpg "Caravaca de la Cruz Bronze Cross Pendant")
LOT 2011
Caravaca de la Cruz Bronze Cross Pendant
17TH-18TH CENTURY A.D.
5 3/8 in. (101 grams, 13.7 cm).
Bifacial double cross with two angels at the base carrying the cross, applied figures of Corpus Christi and Virgin Mary to one side with an inscription 'CAR VACA'; separately made reverse panel with openwork panels and foliate decoration; made as a reliquary.
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market, early 2000s.
PublishedExhibited at the Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 26th May-15th September 2025; accompanied by a copy of a photograph of the artefacts on display.
FootnotesThe Caravaca Cross, also known as the Cross of Caravaca, originated in the Spanish town of Caravaca de la Cruz and according to tradition, first appeared in the 13th century during the Christian reconquest of Spain. According to a legend, during the rule of the Muslim king Abu Zeid in 1231, a miraculous event occurred. A Christian priest lacking a cross celebrated Mass and was not able to continue as the cross is an essential element for the Eucharist. Miraculously, two angels bearing the Caravaca Cross appeared thus enabling the Mass to proceed. This event is considered the foundational miracle of the Caravaca Cross.
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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Marble Fountain Sculpture of a Putto Wrestling a Fish
Baroque, 17th century A.D.Estimate: £5,000 - 7,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
Standing on an angular base resting his left knee on the open jaws of a fish, his left arm holding the jaws open, the body and tail held upright be the raised right hand (partly absent); with heavy sulphured patina. 20.75 kg, 48 cm
Acquired prior to 1970. From the estate of a Swiss gentleman, Ticino. Private collection, Zurich, Switzerland. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12790-240308.
In ancient Roman art and architecture, fountains were often decorated with sculptures of young boys or putti holding fish. These sculptures were known as 'putti with fish' or 'boy with fish' and were a popular motif in the decoration of fountains. The young boy or putto was shown holding a fish or a shell, which would spout water into the fountain basin below. The fish was a particularly popular motif because it symbolised abundance, fertility, and prosperity, which were all important values in ancient Roman society. Overall, the putti with fish sculptures are a notable example of the art and architecture of ancient Rome and have continued to be an enduring symbol of beauty, abundance, and prosperity throughout the centuries. Archaeological excavations in Pompeii have revealed many examples of sculptures of putti with fish. The putti with fish sculptures from Pompeii were usually made of bronze, marble, or terracotta. They were often placed in the centre of the fountain, surrounded by other decorative elements such as flowers, plants, and other sculptures. Many of these putti with fish sculptures are now on display in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. The museum also houses a famous mosaic of a putto with a fish, which was discovered in the House of the Faun in Pompeii. The putti with fish sculptures from Pompeii and those in the Naples Museum provide valuable insights into the art and culture of ancient Rome. They demonstrate the importance of beauty and abundance in ancient Roman society and offer a glimpse into the everyday life of the people who lived in Pompeii over two thousand years ago. In the 17th and 18th centuries these sculptures were imitated and used to decorate the fountains of royal palaces and palaces. -
Post Medieval Enamelled Bronze Bracelet
19th-20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Comprising a broad band with hinged panel pinned at one edge; running scroll design to median band between hatched bars; floral motif to panel. 118 grams, 63 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Indian Carved Jade Ibex-Headed Walking Stick Handle
Late 20th-21st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
Carved in the round with addorsed ibex heads, each with integral bridle, lotus flower at the junction above a floral collar and tubular stem. 243 grams, 15.5 cm
Private collection, UK.
