Loading, please wait...
Details
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).
Provenance
Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.
From an East Anglian private collection.
Footnotes
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.
VETTING:
TimeLine 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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Medieval and Other 'Thames' Mixed Artefact Group
9th-18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Comprising: bronze ring-brooch; bronze belt-fastener with lion-mask; strap end with Trewhiddle Style ornament. 18.8 grams total, 27-59 mm
Found on the Thames foreshore, London, UK, circa mid 1980s. Property of an Essex collector. -
.jpg)
Large Medieval Bronze Vesica-Shaped Seal Matrix for John the Clerk of Hilgay
Circa 13th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
With central 'pelican in her piety' motif, linear border and legend '+ S' IOH'IS. CŁCI. DE.HELEGEIA.' (seal of John the clerk of Hilgay); strap and loop to the reverse. 12.5 grams, 39 mm
Found Southern England. Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From an East Anglian private collection.
Hilgay is a parish in Norfolk, near Downham Market. -
Medieval Bronze Scallop Shell Mount Collection
Circa 15th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Mixed group including scallop-shaped belt mounts and suspension mounts. 78 grams total, 28-76 mm
Acquired early 2000s. Property of a Stowmarket, UK, gentleman.
