Grand Tour Bronze Twin-Spouted Hanging Oil Lamp

Showing the Evangelists and the Crucifixion with Saint Mary, Saint John and Saint Longinos on one side with Greek inscription 'STAVROSIS (Η ΣΤΑΥΡΟΣΙΣ = the Crucifixion)' above; the Baptism on the other side with Greek inscription 'VANGELISMOU (Η ΒΑΝΓΕΛΙΣΜΟΥ = the Apparition)' above, evangelists depicted above and below with the angels Gabriel and Michael to the sides. 93 grams, 19.5 cm



Acquired from Portobello Road, London, in the 1980s. Property of a London, UK, gentleman collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

The term ‘Dodekaorton cross’ is the most appropriate for this category of crosses and is used in other codices of the post-Byzantine period. These small crosses were used by the Hieromonks for blessings to the faithful and in various processions and liturgies, and were often mounted with frames made of precious materials. The carving of wooden crosses is regarded as an art traditionally practiced by Athonite monks. Ioannis Komninos in 1698 and the Jesuit priest Braconnier in 1706 both refer to the carved wooden pectorals and crosses made by the monks in order to provide themselves with a livelihood.

One with guide-rails to the keyhole and domed rear, one with transverse ribbing above. 56 grams total, 46-50 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Comprising: profile male and female busts in carnelian and other stones; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. 4.66 grams total, 14-18 mm



Private collection, England. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.