Cylinder Seal Electrotype Group

Divided into two separate scenes: in a small panel on the right side, the Annunciation with the archangel Gabriel standing with the messenger's staff in his left hand, his right hand extending towards the Virgin in a sign of greeting and homage; the archangel dressed in a blue ankle-length garment (sticharion) with a red mantle (himation); Mary in a floor-length blue robe and crimson mantle, holding a scroll; above the two figures inscriptions in Greek letters, 'Γ (Γαβριήλ)' over the Archangel and ‘ΜΡ ϴΥ'(Mother of God) over the Virgin Mary; on the main field a representation of the Nativity, according the typical Byzantine iconography: standing Mary beneath a rocky landscape above a cave, wearing a red maphorion mantle over a dark blue robe, with elaborate golden threads of fine gold brocade at the hem, showing baby Jesus to the three wise men, dressed as kings and bearing gifts of gold, incense and myrrh; a shepherd wearing a long, shaggy cloak, leaning on his staff, converses amicably with thoughtful Saint Joseph, seated on rocks; an ox and a donkey beneath the cradle; in the upper part, two ranks of singing angels, dressed in gold, blue, and red robes, while among the ranks of angels on the right, one of the celestial creatures announces the good news to the shepherds, inviting them to worship the heavenly child; Greek inscription from the Creed in red within the angels: 'τὸν δι' ἡμᾶς τοὺς ἀνθρώπους καὶ διὰ τὴν ἡμετέραν σωτηρίαν κατελθόντα ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν, καὶ σαρκωθέντα ἐκ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου καὶ Μαρίας τῆς παρθένου, καὶ ἐνανθρωπήσαντα' (Who because of us men and because of our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man), another above the Virgin Mary: 'ἡ κατἀ σαρκα γένεσις τοῦ κὒ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ' (The Birth in flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ), also the letters ‘ΜΡ ϴΥ'(Mother of God), over the head of Jesus, 'ΙC ΧΡ' (Jesus Christ); tempera on wood panel, on the reverse old label 'Kunstausstellung Kühl'. 1.59 kg, 42.2 x 34.2 cm



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 number no.13062-249293.

Theodoros Poulakis (1622-1692) was a key figure of the Cretan School, known for his religious icon paintings. He blended Byzantine and Venetian styles, especially after moving to Venice following the Ottoman conquest of Crete. His vivid, detailed icons are highly regarded in both religious and artistic circles. Here, the artist combines narrations of the birth of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:18-2:12 and Luke 2:1-2:20.

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.

Including crescentic, biconvex, plano-convex and other types, some with etched Zi patterns. 356 grams total, 24-70 mm



Private collection, UK.