Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1889
Medieval Seal Matrix with the Virgin and Child
ENGLAND, 12TH-14TH CENTURY A.D.
1 5/8 in. (25.9 grams, 42 mm).
Vesica-shaped seal with central motif of the Virgin Mary enthroned and holding the Christ Child, set within an architectural framework; surrounding Lombardicscript legend reading: SISLVnT · ALnD · GRAnO · AnIMA · IOhIS (formula invoking prayer for the soul of John).
Provenance
Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Little Houghton, UK.
Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (mPAS) report no.LEIC-27E12C.
Footnotes
Such inscriptions are characteristic of personal seals used by clerical or devout lay owners.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
Medieval Bronze Ring with Fleur-de-Lys
12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Comprising a D-section hoop with the shoulders formed as stylised beast-heads, a discoid bezel with fleur-de-lys. 5.01 grams, 22.48 mm overall, 18.86 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)
Found UK. Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
A circular bezel with a stylised flower decoration is soldered onto a thin ribbon-shaped link, which is flat on the inside and has two grooves on the outside. The style of the bezel decoration is Western Medieval, although the ring’s style finds parallels in specimens of Eastern Europe. -
Medieval Seal Matrix with the Virgin and Child
England, 12th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £293
Vesica-shaped seal with central motif of the Virgin Mary enthroned and holding the Christ Child, set within an architectural framework; surrounding Lombardicscript legend reading: SISLVnT · ALnD · GRAnO · AnIMA · IOhIS (formula invoking prayer for the soul of John). 25.9 grams, 42 mm
Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Little Houghton, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (mPAS) report no.LEIC-27E12C.
Such inscriptions are characteristic of personal seals used by clerical or devout lay owners. -
Medieval Silver-Gilt Ring with Male Head Gemstone and Inscriptions
15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,680
With applied outer layer of gold engraved with flowers and the words, “en bon an” (twice) (‘a good year’); the flat bezel with a recessed centre set with a medieval mother-of-pearl intaglio depicting a male bust in profile; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 4.72 grams, 23.64 mm overall, 20.45 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)
Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Dorset, UK, on Sunday, 30th December 2018. Acquired on the English art market. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.DEV-5E4EDA. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13069-248371.
The inscription is in black letter appears to read “en bon an”, a good year. The inscription is paralleled on a good number of 15th century rings, often also decorated with flowers and branches between the words, such as British Museum catalogue numbers AF.1057 and 1960,1103.1.