Large Post-Classical Turquoise Gemstone with Mythological Scene of Poseidon with Amphitrite on Seahorse

Executed in oil and tempera on a slightly curved wooden panel base depicting the Theotokos (Mother of God), the infant Jesus and Saint Rock on a natural background; Mary with head bowed left wearing a red maphorion mantle over a dark blue robe, with elaborate golden saltires on the shoulders and head of the mantle, fine gold brocade to the hem of the blue robe, nursing the child; the infant Jesus facing away to left, supported on Mary's right arm and dressed in gold tunic, wrapped in a red shawl with gold highlights to folds, both hands holding the mother’s breast; the long-haired Saint Rock covered in a black tabarrino marked with his attributes, the red cross, the pilgrim's staff, the scallop shell and the keys, holds his walking stick in his hand; trees and mountain profiles in the background; gilded wooden frame surrounded by a blue indigo border with gold arabesques; from the Veneto-Cretan guild. 857 grams, 32.5 x 27.5 cm



Acquired on the European art market. Private collection, London, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no. 13065-249292.

The icon presents the type known in Greek as the Galaktotrophousa and in Russia as Mlekopitatelnitsa. Originating from the pagan iconography of Isis nursing Horus, the icon presents the Mother of God nursing the child. As is typical in traditional Orthodox iconography, conscious effort is made to remove the image from reality. That is why Mary’s breast is so oddly depicted and placed near her shoulder — an attempt to avoid any trace of sensuality.

Plaque with narrow border enclosing a figural scene with a colonnade and façade flanked by olive trees; central arch with two nimbate and robed figures clasping hands with a third figure behind them wearing a headdress; set in a gold frame with suspension loop; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 19.61 grams, 54 mm



Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the French art market.

The subject is the marriage ceremony between Mary, 'the Virgin', and Joseph.

Ellipsoid with reserved profile of Karl Theodor Anton Maria Von Dalberg facing left, attributed to Johann Martin Bückle (1742-1811). 3.52 grams, 25 mm



Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market.

Karl Theodor Anton Maria von Dalberg (February 8, 1744 – February 10, 1817) was a Catholic German bishop and statesman. Throughout his career, he held various significant positions, including Prince-Archbishop of Regensburg, Arch-Chancellor of the Holy Roman Empire, Bishop of Constance and Worms, Prince-Primate of the Confederation of the Rhine, and Grand Duke of Frankfurt.