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LOT 0383
Neoclassical Carnelian Gemstone with Bacchic Procession
ITALY, 19TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 in. (7.83 grams, 38 mm).
The oval intaglio carved with a lively Bacchic procession: a winged putto driving a goat-drawn chariot, grasping a thyrsus with one hand and guiding the reins with the other; before the chariot, another putto dancing and playing the pipes; set in a gold pendant.
ProvenancePrivate collection, UK.
FootnotesThe subject reflects the revival of antique themes characteristic of early 19th-century glyptic art, drawing inspiration from Roman gems and Renaissance engravings after Raphael. Such imagery of putti in Bacchic revels was emblematic of festivity, abundance, and playful triumph, well-suited to the Neoclassical fascination with classical allegory. For a comparison, see the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, accession no. 49.97.335, “A frieze arrangement with a putto wearing a laurel crown riding a goat at left and many infants playing musical instruments in front,” Master of the Die after Raphael, c. 1530–60.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0383
Neoclassical Carnelian Gemstone with Bacchic Procession
Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,600
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Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Saint John the Baptist
19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
With blue champlevé enamel, depicting Saint John the Baptist, portrayed as an elderly man, wearing a camel-skin robe; his left hand holding a scroll with the prophecy of Isaiah, while the right hand is raised in blessing gesture; at the top, Old Slavic Inscription ‘Saint John the Precursor’ (Иоа́нн Предте́ча); pseudo-vegetal background with abstract decorations. 190 grams, 11.8 cm
Acquired from Chris Martin-Zakheim, Iconastas, 5 Piccadilly Arcade, London SW1. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s.
John the Baptist is called ‘the Precursor’ because his evangelical mission was to prepare the way for Jesus Christ, announcing his imminent arrival and calling people to repentance and welcome the Messiah. His role as a ‘forerunner prophet’ makes him the link between the Old and New Testaments, as he prophesied the coming of Christ and baptised him in the Jordan River. He was considered the highest among the prophets in the hierarchy of saints of the Orthodox Church. -
Bronze Seal Matrix with Emperor Charles IV
18th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Discoid in plan with pierced flange handle to reverse; incuse image of a facing enthroned monarch with orb and sceptre in his hands, crown topped by a cross, two heater shields to the sides, on with a lion rampant and the other with a spread eagle; legend 'MIE.REZ', 'ET. BOE'; outer band with Lombardic legend 'AVGVSTVS. KAROLVS . QVARTVS . DIVINAE.FAVENTE . MEME[...]' referring to Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. 143 grams, 62 mm
Private collection, UK. -
Indus Valley Style Terracotta Vessel Group
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Mixed group of jars and a cup with painted details. 990 grams, 10-10.5 cm wide
Very fine condition.
From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent.