Diskobolos of Myron Statue

A classic, Renaissance era gold ring composed of a slender D-section hoop, widening at the shoulders, fashioned as architectural capitals with strapwork and elaborate projecting scrolls in opaque white and blue enamel, embellished with red and green enamelled detailing; square bezel with box setting set with a table-cut ruby, pairs of blue enamelled cusplets to each of the four faces, stepped base below ornamented with a black enamelled bead moulded collar, bezel reverse of flat inverted pyramidal form and divided into four triangles, two with black enamelled hatching; retaining the majority of the original enamelling; accompanied by a Les Enluminures presentation box. 4.66 grams, 22.94 mm overall, 16.90 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)



Acquired from Les Enluminures Ltd, Illinois, USA, 2016. Property of an East Sussex collector. Accompanied by a Les Enluminures certificate of authenticity. Accompanied by a copy of the Les Enluminures invoice. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11670-197580.

Rubies were a potent symbol of status and social distinction in later medieval Europe, frequently adorning royal crowns. In the Renaissance, however, they conveyed a personal, more intimate message, their red colour, like the rose, emblematic of love. The intensity of the red colour was often enhanced with a foil lining to the setting and were popular as betrothal and wedding rings. It is believed that rubies symbolised the virtues of marriage and eternal matrimonial love. Such rings held an international appeal, making attribution to specific workshops or countries very difficult. The V & A Museum explains that 'Renaissance, the ring developed from the simple forms of the medieval period into a miniature work of art, combining the skills of the chaser, engraver and enameller as well as the stone cutter.'

A small icon from a Deesis, tempera on wood, depicting Mary on a gilt background inclining her head to the right, wearing a maphorion embroidered with gold stars, blue veil and a chiton of same colour; the reverse with a painted red cross with Greek lettering 'IC XI N K' for 'Jesus Christ is winner'. 554 grams, 20.2 x 16.5 cm

Gilding minimally worn, the border minimally restored; very fine condition.

Property of a London lady, part of her family's collection. 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 searcher certificate no.11571-198600.

This splendid specimen comes most probably from a large icon, where it was part of a Deesis. The image implies that the original icon represented Christ flanked by the Mother of God and John the Baptist, all three usually represented as a full figure. The Deisis or Deesis (Деисус, Gk. for “supplication”) was the depiction of the Virgin, John the Baptist and possibly many more saints interceding with Christ on behalf of mankind.

A silver-gilt finger ring with tiered scales to the hoop, ellipsoid bezel with inset ellipsoid carnelian intaglio of a cross over 'IHS' Christogram. 4.26 grams, 21.70 mm overall, 18.96 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)



From a collection formed between 1990-2000. Ex East London collection. English private collection.