Gemstone Collection

With fluted shoulders and scooped edges to the bezel, pointillé border and Greek monogram of a cross with 'MHNλ' finials. 6.72 grams, 21.82 mm overall, 18.19 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2 , USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)



Acquired 1960s-1990s. From the collection of the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

Spherical crotal, rumbler or 'hame harness' bell with suspension loop and two tone holes to upper half with founder's initials 'Ro / W' for Robert Wells of Aldbourne Foundry, Wiltshire; with the original iron 'pea' inside. 203 grams, 71 mm



Acquired on the UK art market. From the private collection of Mr G.B., Hampshire, UK.

Robert Wells made bells in sizes 1 to 32 and this example is near the largest ever produced. These massive bells were usually fitted to a team bell frame, set across the harness collar; Robert Wells was active in the period 1760-1780.

The gilt polychrome carving showing Saint Simeon holding the infant Christ in his arms before his circumcision, Saint Simeon wearing a priestly mitre, holding the infant above an altar covered by an embroidered brocade; Virgin Mary to his left gazing at the infant tenderly, veiled and wearing a long robe with gilt decoration; to her left Saint Joseph dressed in a long robe and gilt cloak, holding a carpenter's axe in his left hand; praying Saint Anna to the right of Saint Simeon, wearing a simple dress and veil; to her right Saint Joachim, wearing a yellow cap and gilt cloak; the columns of the Temple of Jerusalem on the background; on a wooden stand. 10.15 kg, 86.5 cm wide



Crait and Muller, 8 June 2021, no.2. Ex central London gallery. 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 no.12181-221704.

The relief shows the parents and relatives of infant Jesus following the Jewish tradition of circumcising young boys eight days after their birth. This iconography is symbolic as, according to the tradition, Saint Anna and Saint Joachim, parents of Mary, died before the birth of Christ. This panel originally would have adorned the interior panels of a large altarpiece, showing the cycle of life of Christ.