Large Marble Standing Nymph on a Stand

With carinated profile, running tendrils to outer face; inner face with legend in seriffed capitals 'x PAR x MELIO x SPERO' (I hope for the best). 2.42 grams, 19.66 mm overall, 17.76 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Suffolk, UK, on 1st March 2020. Declared as Treasure and disclaimed by the crown with Treasure reference no.2020 T424; and recorded by the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) with report no.SF-0DE329. Accompanied by a copy of the report on find of Potential Treasure for HM Coroner.

Depicting a Deesis with Jesus at the centre, Saint Mary on the left and Saint John the Baptist on the right; Jesus seated upon a throne, depicted with the open Gospel in his left hand and raising his right hand in blessing; Mary, with veiled head and mantle, wearing a maphorion mantle over an embroidered robe and holding a scroll; the Deesis surrounded by a theory of saints, with Saint Zosima and Saint Sabbas making the Proskynesis in front of the Christ; Old Slavic inscription above the figures: 'ΙC ΧΡ' (Jesus Christ). 67 grams, 64 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.

The Deisis or Deesis (Деисус, Gk. for “supplication”) was the depiction of the Virgin, John the Baptist and possibly other saints interceding with Christ on behalf of mankind.

Each a nude female with headdress. 214 grams total, 9-13 cm

Fine condition.

Ex property of a London gentleman; acquired before 2000. From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent.