Egyptian Style Terracotta Snake

Agreement between Evelyn Chadwicke, Lord of the Manor of West Leake, and Granville Wheler, Rector of the Parish Church of Little Leak, both in Nottinghamshire, relating to an exchange of lands; 4 pages, printed on two large folio leaves. 260 grams, 39 x 21.9 cm



Originally held in Nottingham Central Library, purchased directly by Ian Wilkinson in 2020. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985.

Over 280 years old, in very good condition.

Depicting the Deesis divided in three panels, with Jesus Christ at the centre, Saint Mary on the left panel and Saint John the Baptist on the right; God holding the Gospel in his left hand and raising his right hand in blessing; Mary with veiled head and mantle, wearing a maphorion mantle over an embroidered robe and holding a scroll; Saint John, portrayed as an elderly man, wearing a camel-skin robe, winged and holding a bowl containing an infant with flexed legs and raised right hand, the saint’s right hand pointing toward the infant Jesus, his left hand holding a scroll with the prophecy of Isaiah, while the right hand is raised in blessing gesture; Old Slavic inscription around the figures: 'ΙC ΧΡ' (Jesus Christ); 'ΜΡ ϴΥ'(Mother of God), ‘Saint John the Precursor’ (Иоа́нн Предте́ча); the images framed by a pseudo-vegetal and abstract decorations; the instruments of the Passion and the city of Jerusalem on the cover. 553 grams, 10 cm



Ex David Miller, Hemel Hempstead, London, UK. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s.

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.

Including a carved bone bearded mask with diadem; terracotta figurine head mounted on a stand, sardonyx gaming piece with incuse hand to the underside, and other items. 94 grams total, 14-87 mm



Acquired on the UK art market.