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LOT 1673
Medieval Lead Figure of a Noble Woman
14TH CENTURY A.D.
4 3/4 in. (103 grams, 12 cm).
Modelled in the round standing female figure wearing an elegantly draped ankle-length robe, left arm extended; mounting spike to head; possibly image of a saint [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound near Wetwang, East Yorkshire, UK.
Acquired circa 2005.
Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK.
Cf. PAS IOW-40E078, for a similar figure in lead-alloy.
FootnotesDespite the classical-influenced drapery, the figure has a belt around her waist and wears a fitted kirtle (dress), a style of clothing from the 14th century. Similar statuettes, maybe votive images of saints, have been found across England.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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
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Medieval Gold and Garnet Amulet
Circa 12th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Bifacial hollow-formed pendant with garnet cabochons set in a cell of laminated gold granulation. 2.15 grams, 11 mm
Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s. Accompanied by a previous typed cataloguing card. -
Medieval Bronze Vesica-Shaped Ecclesiastical Seal Matrix
13th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Scaphoid matrix with strap and pierced lug to the reverse; median image of Mary enthroned beneath a canopy with infant Jesus on her lap, sharing a trefoil-headed sceptre; enigmatic dense blackletter legend to the rim; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 26.1 grams, 40 mm
Found Shaw, Wiltshire, UK, before 1974.
Shaw, a village noted in the Domesday survey, recorded a mere three poll-tax contributors in 1377, marking it as the Wiltshire village with the fewest taxpayers at that time. Likely abandoned in the early 15th century, Shaw became associated with Alton (the Alton in Wiltshire, not the one in Hampshire), with its agricultural lands consolidating with those of Alton. Today, one can only speculate about the challenges faced by the 10-20 residents who once called Shaw home. -
Medieval Gilt Wooden Relief with Enthroned Virgin and Child Surrounded by Angels
Italian, Lombardy, circa 1480 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,900
Rectangular panel with cartapesta relief of Virgin and Child carved in the half-round; Mary seated, nimbate with hands pressed together in prayer, infant lying across her lap, flanked by four winged angels in poses of adoration; gilt surface with pink flesh tones; inscribed to base 'SALVE REGINA MATE[R MISERICORDIAE]' (Hail Mother the Queen). 1.07 kg, 36.5 x 27 cm
German private collection, 2019. Ex central London gallery. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12056-217445.
Like all the ancient and medieval statues, this artwork was also originally lavishly painted and most of the colours are still visible with gold and red and light blue being the main colours used for Saint Mary. Interestingly, the inscription recalls the three first words of the Cluny prayer to the Virgin Mary: SALVE REGINA, MATER MISERICORDIAE (Hail Holy Queen Merciful Mother), used by the Templars as a war song.
