Medieval to Post Medieval Artefact Group

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.

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.

With high-relief fleur-de-lys motif, remains of pounced surface. 38.3 grams, 33 mm



Found York, 1971. Property of an Essex gentleman.