Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 2082
Painted Wooden Icon of Virgin and Child
19TH-20TH CENTURY A.D.
11 3/8 in. (614 grams, 29 cm).
Mary cradling the infant Christ, Greek text in the field with inscription 'ΜΡ ΘΥ' for 'Mother of God' flanking the Virgin's halo, 'IC XC' for 'Jesus Christ' over the Child's head; to the right a Greek inscription 'ΟΔΙΓΗΤΡΙΑ' (Odighitria); some restoration; a handwritten inscription and a cross to the reverse in Greek, reading 'Eufemia Papadimitriou - born on March, 30, 1932, on Thursday, at the 5.00 p.m.; Vasilios Papadimitriou - born on March, 15, 1934, on Thursday, at the 3.00 p.m.'
Provenance
Ex French gallery, Paris.
Literature
Cf. Łaptaś, M., Jakobielski, S., ‘I Gave Milk to Him While He Was Feeding All the World. Representations of the Galaktotrophousa in Faras Cathedral,’ in Stefan, M. (ed.), Nubia Christiana, II, Warszawa, 2020, pp.43-63, figs.2, 6, for ancient iconography of the subject.
Footnotes
The icon belongs to the category of Virgin 'Galaktotrophousa' (Γαλακτοτροφουσα, meaning “the Milk-Giver”) celebrated on third July, and showing Mary breast-feeding Jesus. The ancient typology dates from the 6th century A.D. and resided in St. Sabbas’ lavra (a type of monastic community).
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.
LOT 2082
Painted Wooden Icon of Virgin and Child
Estimate £200 - 300€230 - 350 (for guidance only)$270 - 410 (for guidance only)
RELATED LOTS
-
Post Medieval Glazed Ceramic Horse Tile Set
Circa 18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
Displaying a mauve-coloured landscape with rearing horse; chipped. 1..27 kg total, 13 x 13 cm each
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. -
Post Medieval Silver-Gilt Dress Hook Fastener
16th century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £80
Comprising a plate of three lobes with slotted bar to the reverse and substantial hook above, three domes to the obverse each with loops of filigree enclosing a group of three annulets and a granule, large floral element to the centre. 7.3 grams, 27 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired in London in 1990. Property of a Kent gentleman. -
Marble Head of a Roman Emperor
20th century A.D.Estimate: £3,500 - 4,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,944
Carved as a mature male with stern features, likely the emperor Carus, shown with short, neatly-dressed hair and beard; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 10.4 kg, 38 cm high including stand
French collection, 1960s-early 2000s. From an important Paris gallery, France. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11694-199338.
Carus reigned 282-283 A.D. He served as a prefect of the guard to emperor Probus, whom he succeeded. Whilst leading a campaign against the Sassanians, Carus died suddenly and under mysterious circumstances, leading to the belief that he was struck by lightning. Little is known of his life, owing to the relative instability of that time period. Whether he had Probus murdered, or whether he was killed by mutinous troops was disputed even by his contemporaries. Carus was succeeded by his sons Carinus and Numerian, although their reigns were short-lived and his dynasty was soon supplanted. Carinus’ lasting legacy was principally the suppression of the authority of the senate. He has gone down in history as one of the tyrants of ancient Rome.
