Medieval Bronze 'I Am Private' Seal Matrix with Hare Motif

Rectangular panel with figural scene in high relief; above, two figures left in bassinets and plate armour arrest two standing figures in loose robes; behind them, a tall figure stretching his hand across the chest of another robed figure drawing a sword; below, beneath a ledge, a supine figure extending his left hand towards the central figure above, his right hand holding a walking staff; mounted on a custom-made stand. 10.4 kg total, 37.5 cm high including stand



Collection of Aäron Vecht (1886-1965), Rokin 30, Amsterdam (his paper collection label adhered to the reverse). with Joanna Booth, London, UK. Private collection, London, UK, acquired from the above 11th June 2011. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13527-262845.

The iconography of the betrayal of Christ is ancient, with its earliest roots tracing back to early Christian art. From its inception, the soldiers arresting Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane were depicted as Roman warriors. It is important to note that artists typically rendered their weapons and armour in the contemporary style of their own eras, rather than using historically accurate Roman attire. This artistic convention persisted until the fall of the Eastern Roman Empire. As a result, Byzantine depictions of the arrest offer a dynamic chronicle of military evolution, showcasing the changing equipment of the Roman army and local militias throughout the Middle Ages. Similarly, when this iconography was adopted by other Western and Eastern medieval states, it mirrored the military advancements of nations outside the Byzantine sphere. Consequently, the representation of the arrest at Gethsemane serves as one of the richest visual sources available for studying medieval military equipment.

Vesica type with perching bird motif and legend 'S'[....]LIVM[...]', supplied with an impression. 8.3 grams, 34 mm



Found Romney Marsh area, Kent, 1990-2015. Property of a Kent gentleman, a specialist medieval collector.

With D-section hoop and conical bezel terminating in a cell (empty); underside with mane in fede motif; Lombardic script legend 'AVE MARIA' to outer face. 4.02 grams, 23.60 mm overall, 16.75 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)



Acquired in the 1970s-1980s. Property of a Kent gentleman, a specialist medieval collector.