Female Acrobat Painting, Attributed to Leon Bakst (1866-1924)

In late 15th century style, showing nimbate infant Jesus on the foreground illuminated by divine light, a kneeling figure before him dressed in a purple cassock and gold brocade chlamys, kneeling figures of nimbate Mary and a shepherd beside the manger; Joseph depicted standing, wearing a long brown overcoat with green lapels, halo above his head; another shepherd standing on the side, holding a pastoral staff and gifts; architectural background with an ox; Flemish inscription at the bottom 'DE GEBOORTE VAN CHRISTUS’ (The Nativity) in uncial letters; some restoration. 4.5 kg, 65 x 53.5 cm

Some restoration.

From a war-damaged church in Belgium. Ex property of a late Northumberland collector. From a private collection, Derbyshire, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The scene represents the nativity according to the Gospel of Luke (2:1-21). Luke, unlike Matthew, mentions the shepherds and the birth of Jesus inside a manger because there was no space in the katalyma (private house).

D-section hoop inscribed to the inner face 'Keepe Faith Till Deaith*'. 4.76 grams, 20.71 mm overall, 17.97 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector by Robin Sykes at Sutton on the Forest, Hambleton, North Yorkshire, UK, on 10 October 1999, recorded as Treasure by the finder and disclaimed by the Crown with Treasure case no.MME158. From the private collection of Robin Sykes, Yorkshire, UK, formed since the late 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.PAS-743C06. Accompanied by a copy of page 81 of the Treasure Annual Report 1998-1999 where this ring is published. Accompanied by copies of various correspondence relating to this find. Accompanied by an illustrated record card by Jim Halliday dated 11 October 1999. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Carved in the round in a naive style with D-shaped face, reserved arms and recessed torso; recessed facial features incised starburst to chest. 19.25 kg, 43 cm



From Buxton, Derbyshire, UK, since circa 1940. From a collection acquired on the UK art market. Property of a West Midlands, UK, private collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.