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_900x900.jpg "Medieval Bronze Vesica-Shaped Seal Matrix with a Bird")
_200x200.jpg "Medieval Bronze Vesica-Shaped Seal Matrix with a Bird")
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LOT 0398
Medieval Bronze Vesica-Shaped Seal Matrix with a Bird
CIRCA 14TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (7.59 grams, 29 mm).
With central motif of a bird wearing the confessor's stole and holding an aspergillum in one foot, legend to the border '*CONFITEOR TIBI ABSOLVO TE' (I confess to you; I absolve you).
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.
From an East Anglian private collection.
A fox - the penitent - lurks below the confessor, here depicted as a bird (duck?) wearing the confessor’s stole and holding a sprinkler for holy water in one foot. The confessor is about to become the fox’s next meal. This is an important addition to the repertoire of renardine satire – the fox-as-preacher to a congregation of birds (often with a couple already stashed in his hood behind) is a common motif in several media. On seal WILT-41EDE6, for example, he stands (with crozier) preaching to a duck and cockerel, but this is the first example of him
coming to confession – with malice aforethought, of course.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0398
Medieval Bronze Vesica-Shaped Seal Matrix with a Bird
Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
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Medieval Bronze Vesica-Shaped Seal Matrix with Virgin and Child
Circa 13th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
With central 'Virgin and Child' motif and head of supplicant beneath, pelletted border and legend '* AVE MARIA GRACIA PL' (Hail Mary [full of] grace); strap and loop to the reverse. 6.82 grams, 30 mm
Found Southern England. Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From an East Anglian private collection. -
Medieval Iron Knife with Bronze Pommel
Early to mid-15th century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £80
Comprising a single cutting edge and scale tang; bifacial pommel engraved with a foliate motif within a border. 46 grams, 20.5 cm
Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
Knife handles were made of wood, horn, bone or metal. Wood, a cheap, readily available and easily worked material, was by far the most common and most of the species used are both hard and flexible. -
Medieval and Other Artefact Group
Circa 15th-20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
A mixed group including Tudor iron knife-blades and nails, Rus fishing hooks, mediaeval bronze book clasps and brooch fragments and other items. 350 grams total, 1.7-14 cm
From a Northampton, UK, collector.
