Group of Seals and Scaraboids

Carved in the half-round, four serpentine panels with fixing holes to the edges, combining to form a profile image of a ram with its legs folded beneath the body. 300 grams total, 71-90 mm



Private collection, UK.

Depicting Saint Zosima and Saint Sabbas in front of the Solovetsky Monastery, both nimbate and dressed in the Abbot’s garments, holding the model of the monastery offered to God, represented in the sky as a dove upon a cloud; arabesque frame; inscriptions in Old Slavonic with the names of the saints. 108 grams, 88 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.

Saints Zosima and Sabbas or Sabbatius were highly venerated Orthodox saints, founders of the Solovetsky Monastery, a fortified monastery located in the White Sea in Northern Russia. This double portrait shows Zosima and Sabbas holding up a model of their religious institution, which resembles a small medieval city. Solovetsky Monastery obtained big investments from the city of Novgorod and established itself as one of the richest monasteries in Russia.

Ellipsoid with intaglio scene of a hippocamp in profile with coiled tail on an aquatic background supporting two seated figures, Poseidon and Amphitrite; billowing sail or banner above; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 13.05 grams, 41 mm



Private collection, England.