Loading, please wait...
LOT 0364
Medieval Bronze Limoges Eucharistic Dove
CIRCA 1200-1230 A.D. OR LATER
6 7/8 in. (662 grams, 17.5 cm).
Modelled in the round, hollow formed with stylised geometric detailing to the wings rendered in raised relief, incised detailing to the breast and head, pierced lug to neck, bowl at tail; base displaying floral scrolls with remains of blue, red and yellow Limoges enamelling; standing on a later elliptical base. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx central London gallery.
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.11740-202076.
Cf. the Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 17.190.344, for a similar example; Walters Art Gallery, Painted Enamels of Limoges, Baltimore, 1968; Campbell, M., An Introduction to Medieval Enamels, London, 1983; Toman, R. Romanesque Architecture, Sculpture, Painting, Cologne, 1997; Stratford, N., Catalogue of Medieval Enamels in the British Museum. Vol. II - Northern Romanesque Enamel, London, 1993.
FootnotesChamplevé enamels were made at Limoges and in the valleys of the Rhine and Meuse from the 11th to the 14th centuries. Limoges workshops manufactured Eucharistic doves, which would have been hung over an altar as an evocation of the Holy Spirit. They were portable tabernacles, containing consecrated hosts.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Large Medieval Bronze Annular Brooch with Magical Inscription
13th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
The disc inscribed in Latin letters: 'dOM ɸ N ɸ * VVRbVM' (i.e. Domini Vurbum for Domini Verbum, 'God's Word'); with later added articulate pin. 11.08 grams, 56 mm wide
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
The presence of the runic 'j' character is unusual - perhaps the magical quality which was still felt to belong to runes in the late middle ages was felt to augment the amuletic nature of the inscription. -
.jpg)
Medieval Stained Glass Roundel with Joseph in Front of the Pharaoh
Northern France or Southern Low Countries, circa 1540 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
Displaying polychrome detailing, the French word 'CONSEIL' (advice, counsel) shown to bottom right; panel within a lead came border with two modern loops for suspension; some cracking. 328 grams, 27.8 cm
Private collection, Paris. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.202093. -
Medieval Silver-Gilt Jewelled Cross with Inscription
14th-15th century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Set with a central cabochon-cut amethyst, rounded knops with textured detailing to the end of each arm, integral loop for suspension; to the reverse, the name 'HENRI' inscribed on the vertical axis, the acronym 'AGLA' horizontally, a Maltese cross to the centre. 2.95 grams, 31 mm
UK art market, acquired prior to 1985. From the collection of a North American gentleman, acquired in 2012.
The acronym 'AGLA' stands for the Hebrew phrase 'Atah gebur le-olam Adonai', meaning 'Thine Is The Power Throughout Endless Ages, O Lord'; it was used particularly in exorcisms, healing and divination, and was associated with Rosicrucianism.
