Loading, please wait...
LOT 0420
Medieval Silver Pendant with Mother-of-Pearl Scene of Virgin and Child
GERMANY, 15TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/4 in. (20.5 grams, 70 mm).
Tear-shaped frame with loop and irregular dangle below; carved nacre relief of the Virgin and Child; Mother of God shown crowned and in profile, tenderly supporting the Christ Child on her lap; applied gold Corpus Christi to reverse.
ProvenancePrivate collection, Europe.
Acquired on the German art market.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13056-248332.
For a related example, see Christie’s, The Collector Online, “A German Parcel-Gilt Silver and Mother-of-Pearl Pendant Depicting St Anne,” Lot 118, 2020.
FootnotesThe carving, with its luminous iridescence and softly modelled planes, captures both the sacred intimacy of the subject and the shimmering qualities of the material. The mount is worked in silver with chased foliate detail and suspends a natural baroque pearl drop. The reverse is finely engraved with radiating rays, clouds, and the inscription INRI, centred by a parcel-gilt figure of the Crucified Christ affixed to the ground. This juxtaposition of the Virgin and Child with the Passion underscores the dual themes of Incarnation and Redemption, reflecting late medieval devotional practices.
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
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.
LOT 0420
Medieval Silver Pendant with Mother-of-Pearl Scene of Virgin and Child
Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,210
-
Cylinder Seal Electrotype Group
Late 19th-early 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Of academic interest, copper-coated lead seal impressions including presentation scenes, combat scenes, court scenes and others; some with cuneiform text. 278 grams total, 39-47 mm
Possibly made by the British Museum. From a West Country, UK, private collection. -
Silver-Gilt Mounted Jet 'Figa' Amulet
Spain, 17th century A.D.Estimate: £700 - 900 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £350
Formed as a hand showing figa gesture, silver mount with applied twisted wires; attachment loop and ring to the top. 19.6 grams, 56 mm
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market.
Mano Fico, as protective amulets have been used since the ancient world, it was believed to protect from the evil eye and other dark and magical forces and to promote fertility. In ancient Rome, the fig sign, or mano fico, was made by the pater familias (father of the family) to ward off the evil spirits of the dead as a part of the Lemuria ritual. The ancient Greeks wore amulets of the gesture around the neck to protect from the evil eye, and also used the gesture in artwork. What they considered an overtly sexual gesture was expected to distract evil spirits from causing harm. The pendant would have been worn from a belt or from a chatelaine containing other protective talismans. This carving would have served as a token representing a person's pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, one of the very few places in which jet can be found and mined since at least the Middle Ages. -
Indus Valley Style Terracotta Idol Group
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13
Mixed group of figures with anatomical details. 287 grams, 8.5-11 cm
Very fine condition.
From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent.
