Medieval 'Published' Bronze Seal Matrix with IHS

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 prophets like those depicted on the Saint Trophime façade.

Comprising examples of various types, including some retaining the rowel and fastening elements. 340 grams total, 11-19 cm



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

These spurs belong to a type widespread in Western Europe with a six-pointed spur, often engraved, dating mostly between 1425 and 1450.

Sheet brass appliqué of a rider with plumed hat holding the reins of a tall beast in repoussé; ropework border behind and below. 0.71 grams, 49 mm



Found on the Thames foreshore, London, UK. Ex Den of Antiquities, Cambridgeshire, UK.