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LOT 0353
Medieval Gold Ring with Inscription
14TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (5.98 grams, 22.96 mm overall, 18.46 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)).
The keeled hoop with three X-motifs, two stylised animal heads supporting the oval bezel inscribed with Lombardic letters (letters M and X separated by decorative motifs, cross to the top); the possibly earlier intaglio with a draped bust of an empress (Faustina the Younger?) in profile to the left, with an elongated neck and curled hair tied back in a bun at the nape of the neck.
ProvenanceAcquired at Christie's, New York (Antiquities Sale), circa 2000.
Important North West London collection.
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 a search certificate number no.11818-204560.
Cf. intaglio with head in similar style in the British Museum, inventory no.1923,0401.816 and 1873,0111.13; for a similar head see Cravinho, G., ‘Roman Engraved Gems in the National Archaeological Museum in Lisbon’ in Studies in ancient Art and Civilization, vol.21, 2017, pp.173-245, fig.43, pl.4.
FootnotesIt is likely that the inscription is abbreviation for 'Memento Mori', meaning 'remember you must die', accompanied by a cross and X for Christ. This imagery served as a reminder to the Christians to keep their soul in good order for the final judgment.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0353
Medieval Gold Ring with Inscription
Estimate £3,500 - 4,500€4,060 - 5,220 (for guidance only)$4,730 - 6,080 (for guidance only)
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Medieval Gilt Bronze Processional Cross
15th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £16,900
With wooden core to which the embossed sheets have been attached; the obverse with a central nimbate Corpus Christi, an applied rosette above and to the left arm; an angel to the finial of the upper and lower arm with Mary and St John the Evangelist to the side arms; the reverse with a central figure of Jesus holding the Gospel and making the sign of blessing; each finial of the arm with the symbols of the Evangelists (eagle, angel, lion and ox); the cross resting on a floral sphere with a socket below. 920 grams, 52.5 cm
Some damage and repair.
with Adolphe Goumaz, Pully, Switzerland. Ex private collection. 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.11804-206500.
The metal sheets of the cross seem to be 15th century A.D. North Italian work. The four Evangelists are depicted with a human face at the front of the cross, and in animal forms at the reverse. -
Medieval Bronze Buckle Group
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Of various types, including examples retaining rivets and articulate tongues, with decorative designs including foliage, openwork geometric forms and pierced quatrefoils; one example with textile within the buckle plate; a fragmentary buckle head with enigmatic incised inscription. 32 grams total, 28-51 mm
Acquired on the UK market, 1990s. Property of a retired academic. -
Medieval Iron Horse Bit Group
Circa 15th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Comprising a complete articulated snaffle-bit with openwork tongue-plate, an articulated curb-bit, and other items. 1.2 kg total, 23-32.5 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
