Group of Seals and Scaraboids

Modelled in the round with gracile features, braided hair, arched diadem to the brow. 32 kg, 42 cm high including stand



Private collection, England. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13081-249676.

The type of sculpture seems to be inspired by the type of the Barberini Hera, a Roman copy from the imperial age, today in the Chiaramonti Museum (Vatican Museums). The sculpture was discovered by the antiquarian Leonardo Agostini in the late 17th century, during excavations on the Viminal Hill. The site was located beneath the convent affiliated with the church of San Lorenzo in Panisperna, an area known to have hosted the ancient Baths of Olympiades. Its identification as the Barberini Hera was established by its early owner, Cardinal Francesco Barberini.

Representing Saint Antipas with a Gospel in his left hand and making the gesture of blessing with his right, dressed as a bishop, with sticharion, covered by omophorion, and surmounted by an epitrachelion; the Mandylion at the centre above the saint, Saint Mary on the left panel and Jesus on the right; Old Slavic inscription around the figures: 'ΙC ΧΡ' (Jesus Christ); 'ΜΡ ϴΥ'(Mother of God); Saint Antipas of Pergamum (Св Анти́па Перга́мский). 238 grams, 11.3 cm



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 icon features meticulous craftsmanship typical of Orthodox iconography. Saint Antipas was popularly held to be a healer of tooth problems. He was martyred by burning in a brazen bull-shaped altar under the Emperors Nero or Domitian.

Of academic interest, copper-coated lead seal impressions including presentation scenes, court scenes, bull-headed man in a frame; some with cuneiform text. 433 grams total, 39-72 mm



Possibly made by the British Museum. From a West Country, UK, private collection.