Loading, please wait...
LOT 0317
Greek Icon with Virgin and Saints George and Demetrius on Horseback
17TH CENTURY A.D.
17 1/4 x 13 3/4 in. (2.4 kg, 44 x 35 cm).
An exquisite tempera with gold ground on wood icon depicting Mary surrounded by saints and holding the Divine Child in her arms; Mary seated on an elaborate throne and crowned as the Queen of the Universe with two angels supporting her crown, Greek inscription 'MP' and 'ΘΥ' for Mother of God to each side of the crown, wearing a scarlet red maphorion embroidered with gold and a long dark blue tunica talaris; Jesus dressed in a linen tunic and a yellow cloak, affectionately gazing up and making the sign of blessing with his right hand; four saints flanking the throne, three of whom dressed in Bishop's attire, far left Saint Basil with his name written in Greek, and the others possibly saints Elias, Nicholas and Gregorius Nazianzus; the lower part of the icon with Saint George on horseback killing the dragon and Saint Demetrius on horseback killing the king of Avars, both saints dressed in pseudo-Roman armour and armed with a spear.
ProvenanceProperty of a London lady, part of her family's collection.
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 number no.11570-198597.
Cf. Vassilaki, Images of the Mother of God, London-New York, 2016, fig.25.7, p.318, for similar icons; Tourta, A. (ed.), Icons from the Orthodox Communities of Albania, Thessaloniki, 2006, p.130.
FootnotesThe representation of the icon is centred on the image of the Mother of God as ‘The Sovereign’ (Vasilissa, Queen of the Universe). Here, Mary assumes the function of the protector of the believers, reinforced by the presence of the angels. Due to her earthly origin, Mary always maintained an intermediary position in the heavenly realms, becoming an indispensable intercessor on behalf of humans before the Lord. The protection offered by her is reinforced by the presence of the two major protectors of the humans against evil: Saint George and Saint Demetrius.
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.
LOT 0317
Greek Icon with Virgin and Saints George and Demetrius on Horseback
Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,860
-
Stuart Period Large Gold Signet Ring with Arm and Floral Spray
17th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13,000
A gold signet ring composed of a D-section hoop and facetted oval bezel, engraved with crest depicting a forearm and hand oriented right, holding a floral spray composed of three five-petalled flowers and four leaves, set within a beaded octagonal border. 9.78 grams, 24.40 mm overall, 20.51 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22)
Acquired in the 1980s. Property of a London gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11663-197588.
Signet rings were jewellery items serving practical functions, and were pressed into hot wax to seal letters and packets. Personal seals or secreta acted as a legal safeguard, since they were used to witness wills, loans, commercial, personal and other documents. Such rings were often engraved with a coat of arms, initials, merchant's mark or some other personal symbol. Painted portraits of this period portray the wearer with the signet ring on the thumb or forefinger, allowing for practical use. -
Bactrian Style Lapis Lazuli Bead Necklace
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
A string of lapis lazuli beads of various types. 102 grams total, 42 cm long
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Veneto-Cretan Bust of the Virgin from a Deesis
17th century A.D.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,350
A small icon from a Deesis, tempera on wood, depicting Mary on a gilt background inclining her head to the right, wearing a maphorion embroidered with gold stars, blue veil and a chiton of same colour; the reverse with a painted red cross with Greek lettering 'IC XI N K' for 'Jesus Christ is winner'. 554 grams, 20.2 x 16.5 cm
Gilding minimally worn, the border minimally restored; very fine condition.
Property of a London lady, part of her family's collection. 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 searcher certificate no.11571-198600.
This splendid specimen comes most probably from a large icon, where it was part of a Deesis. The image implies that the original icon represented Christ flanked by the Mother of God and John the Baptist, all three usually represented as a full figure. The Deisis or Deesis (Деисус, Gk. for “supplication”) was the depiction of the Virgin, John the Baptist and possibly many more saints interceding with Christ on behalf of mankind.
