Medieval Limestone Corbel of Jesus with Crown of Thorns

An annular brooch with pelletted edges, six garnet cabochons adorning the brooch, each in a tall closed setting; inscribed on the front 'VIVAMTINVNOANI', the reverse inscribed with 'AMORIVNTVANVNTVI' divided between two palmettes. 8.76 grams, 38 mm



Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12989-245987.

Both inscriptions can be interpreted differently according to the order of their reading; the front can be read ‘IN JUNO ANI VIVAM TI’, which roughly translates as ‘May I live for you in the fastening’, alternatively ‘VIVAM[vs] IN VNO ANI[mo]’ which roughly translates as ‘Let us live as one soul’. The back reads: 'AMORIVNTVANVNTVI' ‘AMOR[is]    IVN[c]T[i]    ANVNTIV[s]’ which roughly translates as ‘a message of joint love’. The inscriptions on the brooch serve as metaphors, linking its function of fastening materials to the binding of lovers in medieval romance. Gift-giving was central to courtly love, and the brooch symbolised both affection and protection, reminding the wearer of the giver’s love while also warding off unwanted advances.

With a beast-head to each shoulder, discoid bezel and cell with inset blue glass cabochon. 5.39 grams, 27.19 mm overall, 20.07 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)



Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

With hatched ornament to the outer ends of the bar and pierced rectangular panels beneath, swivel-mounted hoop. 61 grams, 13.5 cm



From the collection of a Buckinghamshire, UK, collector established from the earlier 1960s.