Carved Citrine Bust of Homer in Gold Ring

A set of four framed and glazed historical prints: Sir Francis Drake, engraved by S. Freeman, published London, 1829, by Harding & Lepard; Sir Walter Raleigh, engraved by H. Robinson, published London, 1829, by Harding & Lepard; Spencer Compton, engraved by H. Robinson, published London, 1834, by Harding & Lepard; Anne Clifford, Countess of Dorset, engraved by H.T. Ryall, published London, 1830, by Harding & Lepard. 2.3 kg total, 32.5 x 24.5 cm each

Fair to fine condition.

Property of a North London, UK, gentleman. From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent.

Discoid with ribbed border and central raised pellet, motif of a winged centaur holding a square shield and a staff(?), foliage motif to the background; pierced three times to the rim. 153 grams, 10.1 cm



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.

This version of a centaur was known as ‘kitovras’, an old Russian version of the word ‘kentauros’. He is typically portrayed with the body of a horse and the torso and head of a man, often featuring prominent wings and wearing armour. Kitovras is best known from a legend, ‘The Tale of Solomon and Kitovras’, in which he is tricked into building the temple for King Solomon. While held in captivity, Kitovras tells Solomon how to obtain the stone needed to build the temple and stays with him through its completion. When Solomon doubts Kitovras’ strength, Kitovras throws him to the edge of the Promised Land, but the king eventually returns and takes back the throne.

Fusiform type with standing robed figure holding a torch and another holding a spear; two columns of text. 12.6 grams, 52 mm



with Gorny and Mosch, 12 July 2022, no.621 (part). Private collection, England.