Lapis Lazuli and Other Bead Group

A ceramic statue of St Nicholas standing in episcopal attire with stole and pallium, pectoral cross and mitre; his hands spread in a benevolent gesture, head turned slightly downwards; rosette and other detailing to the robes and headgear; integral rectangular base; repaired. 1.10 m high



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.11675-199817.

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. 1.9 kg, 37.5 x 28.7 cm



Property of a London lady, part of her family's collection.

As 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.

A gilt-silver dress pin composed of a round-section body and roughly spherical head, decorated with granules and filigree trefoils and roundels above and below a medial band. 2.8 grams, 62 mm



Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK.