Medieval Gilt Bronze Plaques of Mary Magdalene and Saint John the Evangelist

A substantial and finely worked crucifix, of elongated proportions, the surface retaining traces of original mercury gilding, with the arms of the cross enriched by inset red, blue and green cabochons arranged in the manner of a crux gemmata; on the obverse, a slender corpus with clearly defined ribs, a gently inclined head, and a well-articulated drapery falling from the gathered perizonium, the face exhibiting serene, introspective expression, over the crowned head a rhomboid appliqué with Gothic inscription in red enamel 'HIS XRS' (Iesus Hominum Salvator Χριστός = The Saviour Jesus Christ), four lobed appliqués on the arms, each with a large central cabochon flanked by smaller cabochons in high settings; the reverse with the surface decorated with rosettes and other vegetal motifs enamelled in champlevé on the four arms, central circular appliqué with rich floral decoration and numerous cabochons. 3.55 kg, 74.6 cm



Maintained within a family’s ancestral country residence, where it formed part of a small group of inherited ecclesiastical objects retained in private hands throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, thence by descent to the present owner. 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 number no.13030-247521.

A distinguished item of enduring Northumbrian heritage, preserved within the same local family household for several generations. By established family tradition, the crucifix is thought to possess early devotional associations with the Raymes Chapel of St Andrew’s Church, Bolam, a site historically connected with notable gentry of the district. The cross is an exceptional example of Late Romanesque art, combining champlevé enamel appliqués - flat panels with geometric ornament – and the arms of the cross decorated in champlevé. However, this piece is a composite artwork: the circular floral plaque from Limoges, on the reverse, dates from the second quarter of the 13th century, while the facade plaques, of similar origin, come from the end of that same century; the figure of Christ from Central France seems to belong to a later medieval period.

Having a D-section hoop and discoid bezel with an incuse image of a walking centaur holding a sword. 3.26 grams, 22.16 mm overall, 18.07 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)



Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

A similar ring with a silver sheet, hammered and notched decoration, was found in the Necropolis of Hoca, Vojvodina, and dated 11th-15th century A.D. The necropolis was related to Hungarian settlers.

Comprising seven rings with decorative bezels, one with a broken hoop. 26.3 grams total, 14-23 mm



Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Similar cast bronze rings with images of stylised animals and chevrons or other geometric patterns were found in the Necropolis of Zabran, Zemun, and dated 10th-15th century A.D. These rings were often decorated with stylised images of animals and geometric patterns.