Loading, please wait...
LOT 0322
Greek Icon with Bust of Saint Eleutherios
18TH CENTURY A.D.
14 3/4 x 11 1/4 in. (1.9 kg, 37.5 x 28.7 cm).
A wooden painted icon of Saint Eleutherios with a repoussé silver oklad that covers all but the face, embossed in rich priestly robes, representing the priest's omophorion decorated with crosses, over an embroidered robe or sticharion, the nimbus gilded and embossed with foliage and rays over a silver background, Greek inscription 'O AΓΙΟΣ ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΟΣ' (Saint Eleutherios) to the sides.
ProvenanceProperty of a London lady, part of her family's collection.
LiteratureCf. similar icon (style and face) of Nikolaos Kallergis (18th century), in Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos; for the iconography of Saint Eleftherios Charalambos D. Vasilopolou, Αγιος Ελευθεριος (Saint Eleftherios, in Greek), Livani, 2019.
FootnotesAs bishop in Illyricum, Eleutherios promoted the cause of at a time when the persecutions not only made it difficult to win and hold converts, but also at a time when the gravest danger was in being a high-ranking prelate of the Church. Oblivious to this threat, he was acclaimed in the inner circle of Christianity as the brightest luminary of Christian Rome since the apostles. His immense popularity grew and thereby became more dangerous to the state. He was finally brought to the attention of Emperor Hadrian, who ordered his arrest, and then cast into prison, tortured, and put to death on December 15th.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Grand Tour Relief with Satyrs
18th-19th century A.D.Estimate: £4,000 - 6,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,000
A satyr Bacchus themed plaque featuring a nude woman and child with goat's legs and hooves, set in a formal landscape, the child holding bunches of grapes, a bearded male figure dressed in animal skins beside them; wax seal applied to the reverse; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 5.7 kg total, 37 cm high including stand
English private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11685-199804.
Possibly loosely based on C.M. Clodion's works. -
Lapis Lazuli and Other Bead Group
20th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
A mixed group of beads, mainly large spherical lapis lazuli and cylindrical amethyst types. 238 grams total, 8-22 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Roman Style Gold Ring with Portrait Cameo
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £494
A substantial gold finger ring with ellipsoid cell to the bezel, inset glass nicolo profile female bust. 17.96 grams, 28.10 mm overall, 22.33 mm internal diameter (approximate size British X, USA 11 1/2, Europe 26.29, Japan 25)
English private collection.