Limestone Madonna and Child Statue

A marble bust of a middle-aged man with short hair combed over his forehead, the face shown with a slight smile. 22.6 kg, 43 cm high



French collection, 1960s-early 2000s. From an important Paris gallery, France. with Hampel Fine Art Auctions GmbH & Co KG, 12 December 2014, lot 1919. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11693-199346.

A gold ring composed of a slender hoop, expanding shoulders decorated with white enamelled foliage and black enamelled pea-pod ornament, repeated around the bezel, bezel with box setting holding a table-cut ruby, white and black enamelled floral design to the underside; minor loss of enamel; likely from France; accompanied by a 'Les Enluminures' hinged presentation box. 4.57 grams, 23.32 mm overall, 18.77 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)



Acquired from Les Enluminures Ltd, Illinois, USA, 2016. Property of an East Sussex collector. Accompanied by a Les Enluminures certificate of authenticity. Accompanied by a copy of the Les Enluminures invoice. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11671-197579.

Over the centuries, the ruby became a symbol of the amorous heart and a popular gemstone for betrothal or wedding rings in Western Europe. This gemstone was believed to symbolise the virtues of marriage and convey the desire for eternal matrimonial love. The ruby-red colour was often enhanced by setting the stone on top of a foil. The stones themselves were imported from as far afield as Thailand, Burma and Sri Lanka. Old inventories record them as 'balas rubies', which were sourced to decorate royal crowns. In the 17th century, the red colour was set-off by the pastel shades of satin which were fashionable in dress at the court of King Louis VIII, where the art of enamelling was also practiced.

A set of four framed and glazed historical prints: William Pitt, Earl of Chatham, engraved by W. Holl., published London, 1833, by Harding & Lepard; Horation, First Lord Walpole, engraved by W. Holl., published London, 1835, by Harding & Lepard; Henry Spencer, First Earl of Sunderland, engraved by H. Robinson, published London, 1832, by Harding & Lepard; Walter, First Lord Aston, engraved by W.T. Mote, published London, 1832, by Harding & Lepard. 2.35 kg total, 32.5 x 24.5 cm each

Fair to fine condition.

Ex property of a North London, UK, gentleman.