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LOT 0345
Georgian Gold Ring with Carnelian Gemstone with Head of Papposilenus
ITALY, 18TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (3.31 grams, 21.59 mm overall, 18.67 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)).
Narrow hoop forked at the shoulders and supporting an oval open-backed setting with a slightly convex orange carnelian intaglio depicting the head of Papposilenus facing, wearing a wreath on his bald head, long beard and open mouth; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
ProvenanceAcquired on the European art market.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13317-257960.
Cf. for a similar example see Pirzio Biroli Stefanelli, L., La Collezione Paoletti, Stampi in vetro per impronte de intagli e cammei, Tomo I, Roma, 2007, cassetto 9, fig. 574.
FootnotesThe image, derived from Graeco-Roman mythology, represents Papposilenus, a semi-bestial figure with a round face dominated by a thick, unkempt beard and a completely bald head. The subject depicted is the eldest Silenus (the meaning of his name) and the wisest of Dionysus’s retinue; indeed, the infant Dionysus was entrusted to his care.
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LOT 0345
Georgian Gold Ring with Carnelian Gemstone with Head of Papposilenus
Estimate £2,000 - 3,000€2,320 - 3,480 (for guidance only)$2,700 - 4,050 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£1,000 (EUR 1,160; USD 1,350) +BP*
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Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Extended Deesis
19th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
Depicting Deesis with Jesus at the centre, Saint Mary on the left and Saint John the Baptist on the right; Jesus seated upon a throne, depicted with the open 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; the Deesis surrounded by a theory of saints, with Saint Zosima and Saint Sabbas making the Proskynesis in front of the Christ; Old Slavic inscription above the figures: 'ΙC ΧΡ' (Jesus Christ). 67 grams, 64 mm
Acquired from Chris Martin-Zakheim, Iconastas, 5 Piccadilly Arcade, London SW1. 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 other saints interceding with Christ on behalf of mankind. -
Post Medieval Coral Memento Mori Janus Chaplet Bead with Head of Christ and Skull
17th-18th century A.D.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £700
Devotional prayer bead featuring a grimacing skull on one side and the other with the face of Jesus wearing the crown of thorns; set in a simple gold frame with suspension loop. 13.31 grams, 39 mm
Acquired on the European art market. -
Tudor Gold 'BE . TRVE . IN . HART' Posy Ring
Circa 16th century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
Featuring a smooth exterior and D-shaped in cross-section, a flat internal face with an inscription in upper case Roman letters, reading 'BE . TRVE . IN . HART' for 'Be true in heart' with the stops formed as small crosses and the N reversed. 4.25 grams, 20.66 mm overall, 18.06 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Edgmond, Telford & Wrekin, UK, by George Elymn, on 27 October 2024. Recorded with the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) with reference no.HESH-B237EA; handed in as Treasure under the Treasure Act, and subsequently disclaimed and returned to the finder. Accompanied by a copy of the Report for H M Coroner on finding of Potential Treasure, with reference no.2025T1645. Accompanied by a copy of a letter from the British Museum explaining that the Crown's interest in this find has been disclaimed.
The 'posy' name is derived from the 'poesy' (motto) engraved around the hoop. In medieval examples, the posy is usually found around the hoop exterior, although on later examples, inscriptions were more usually engraved on the interior. Rings with amatory inscriptions can be found from the 14th century AD onwards, when they served as love gifts, betrothal and wedding rings. Posy rings were also given to friends or used to mark significant occasions. Posies were composed by the giver, kept in stock by goldsmiths, or could be selected from published compendiums or commonplace books such as 'The Mysteries of Love or the Arts of Wooing' (1658 AD), or 'Love's Garland or Posies for Rings, Hand-kerchers and Gloves and such pretty tokens that Lovers send their Loves' (1674 AD). Rings were one genre of personal item amongst many to be adorned with posies at this time.
