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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 Romanesque Marble Head of a Saint
Late 12th-13th century A.D.Estimate: £5,000 - 7,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,222
Carved naturalistically in the round as a mature male figure with short wavy hair, full beard and moustache, his brow furrowed and mouth held slightly ajar; repaired. 3.8 kg, 18 cm
Acquired in Europe before 1996. 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.11809-206816.
The head was carved as an image of a saint, Apostle or a prophet. The accomplished and sophisticated style of carving on this head can be compared to some of the most celebrated Romanesque buildings of Southern France. The carving of the head resembles the representations of heads and faces of 12th century French Romanesque art, for example those of Saint Trophime in Arles. This imposing head once served as an important architectural part of a lavishly decorated church, possibly in western France. Its form and the size suggest that the head was not only decorative but that it would have been structurally important – perhaps part of a row of statues of apostles and prophet like those depicted on the Saint Trophime façade. -
Medieval Bronze Buckle with Crowned Bust
Circa 13th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
The stylised head of a king in relief, with cropped curls falling beneath an openwork crown; tongue absent. 5.77 grams, 28 mm
Found Odiham, Hampshire, UK. -
Medieval Gilt Bronze Knight's Horse Harness Pendant
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Rectangular in plan with suspension loop to top edge, raised central quatrefoil within a lozenge, single arm radiating into each corner, punched annulets to the field with remains of gilding; central piercing. 5.55 grams, 37 mm
Acquired UK market, 1990s. Property of a retired academic.
