Medieval Glazed Ceramic Tile with Open Book

Intended for a religious statue, with foot-shaped recesses to the top face; the left side with a painted polychrome scene comprising Saint Jerome and Saint Ambrose with Saint Michael holding a sword and scales for weighing souls; the right side painted with a scene comprising Saint Gregory the Great, Saint Augustine and Saint John the Evangelist; both scenes set with gilt architectural frame; the reverse with the Holy Spirit depicted as a dove. 1.95 kg, 16.5 cm high

Very fine condition.

Ex Julius Böhler Ltd, Munich, Germany, 2000. Ex 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.11741-202052.

The base probably housed a statue of Christ. The painting, although mannerist, reflects the style of the Germanic Renaissance. The saints surrounding the dove are easily recognisable by their attributes. St Jerome as a penitent was often represented in front of a crucifix, next to him the hourglass and the skull, symbolising fleeing time leading to death. St Ambrose is represented with his whip, defending people from the enemies of the faith. St Michael is holding the sword and balance and St Augustine is represented with the child who appeared to him on the seashore admonishing him. Many representations from the Middle Ages show Pope St Gregory the Great (of a noble family and pontiff from 590 to 604) with the Dove of the Holy Spirit perched on his shoulder. St John the Evangelist is represented here according to the golden legend of Jacopo da Varazze, with a snake and a chalice.

Composed of a polychrome painted saint figure standing facing right; parchment fragment behind with inked Latin blackletter script and musical neumes; mounted on modern backing card. 8 grams, 15.5 cm



Ex J. Altounian collection (1890-1954), until 2009. Ex central London gallery.

Composed of glazed and unglazed vessels including a small tankard, skillet, handled cup, spouted jar and other vessels, together with a statuette of a baboon; chipped and cracked. 3.4 kg total, 7-34 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.