Medieval Stained Glass Panel with Head of a Christ

Central panel decorated with a heart pierced by two arrows and inscription: 'qui de bon [COER] eyme', and verso openwork carving of blind interlaces and inscription: 'de bon [COER] donne', translating to 'He who loves from the heart, gives with a good heart'; probably given as a love token. 58 grams, 15 cm



Private collection, USA. Private collection, Suffolk. Accompanied by a copy of an illustrated catalogue document.

Medieval specialist Dr Malcolm Jones writes: 'The same formula and use of the rebus heart-device can be found engraved on contemporary jewellery, e.g. on a 14th/15thC English gold ring recently on the French antique jewellery market which is inscribed in Black Letter script, ie. uous eme bien [I love you very much - de bon ♥ - from a good heart]. The familiar heart-symbol ♥ -- which nowadays we ‘read’ as love [I ♥ New York] -- makes its first appearance as a rebus in this late medieval era, engraved on rings, where it is to be read as the noun, coer/cuer, etc. One of its earliest appearances is on a bronze ring of 13th or 14thC date in the British Museum inscribed in Lombardic capitals: A VILA MON ♥ [Here is my heart GARDI LI MO[Y] keep it for me].

Rectangular fabric panel with embroidered design in laidwork and stem stitch; first, a nimbate figure in three-quarter view on a green and gold grassy base, with detailed draped mantle in red and yellow with a blue hem, right hand holding a staff and left hand supporting the gathered fold of cloth; second, a heater-shaped panel with a coat in shades of red and brown with gold couching; third, a standing nimbate figure on a grassy base, wearing an ankle-length robe in vibrant red with a lemon-yellow and green mantle, the end tucked into the belt; fourth, a heraldic party-coloured patch of flowers; mounted on a sturdy fabric backing. 458 grams, 99 cm



Acquired on the London art market, 2006. Ex central London gallery.

Mixed group of buckles and buckle loops, some with mounting tags. 129 grams total, 13-44 mm



Found near York, UK.