Large Bronze Heraldic Shield Mount

Showing the standing Taxiarches (commanders of the Heavenly Army) Michael (A[rchangel] M[ichael]) and Gabriel (A[rchangel] G[abriel]); Michael dressed in pseudo-Roman scale armour worn over a garment with hanging pteryges, partially covered by his military cloak, the raised right hand holding a sword and the left hand resting on a shield; Gabriel dressed in long mantion (a cloak fastened under the neck), long court dress with embroidery, holding the messenger’s flower in one hand and the Globe of the Divine Power over the world in the other; floral frame; fabric mark in Turkish and Greek (ω) near the right shoulder of Saint Michael. 285 grams, 16.2 x 12 cm



Property of a London, UK, gentleman collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

The icon is from a Constantinople workshop circa 1860 A.D. During the Turkokratia (the Turkish domination) the Orthodox inhabitants of Constantinople continued to entrust their protection to the powerful military commanders of the Heavenly Host, the Archangels. Following the Slavic style, the icons were often covered by embossed silver plates (riza), generally reproducing the same figures on the painted wood.

Bulbous in form with everted rim and loop handle, developing to a an equine head turned to one side and with forelegs held flat against the flank; ears absent. 776 grams, 23 cm



From a West Country, UK, collection, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Including a crouching female with hands supporting her breasts, and other types. 177 grams total, 10-12.7 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.