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LOT 2374
Post Byzantine Adoration of the Magi Shell Plaque
17TH-18TH CENTURY A.D.
2 5/8 in. (30.2 grams, 68 mm).
Octagonal in plan with carved scene of the Adoration of the Magi with star above; stepped border, pierced for attachment.
ProvenanceAcquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent.
Private collection, since the late 1990s.
Cf. for similar plaques the ones adorning the covers of the Gospels in Popescu, G.A., Cristiani d'Oriente, spiritualità, arte e potere nell'Europa Post-Bizantina, Milano, 1999, fig.3.
FootnotesThe flat relief and the stylistic refinement of the images place the execution of the plaque towards the end of the 17th century, with some artistic parallels with the Romanian silversmiths of Chiprovatzi.
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:
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LOT 2374
Post Byzantine Adoration of the Magi Shell Plaque
Estimate £120 - 170€140 - 200 (for guidance only)$160 - 230 (for guidance only)
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Russian Wooden Icon with St John the Baptist
19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
Comprising a painted board with mounting panel and slots to the reverse, gessoed surface with painting of St John the Baptist standing nimbate with wings spread behind him, left hand supporting a bowl containing his severed head and holding an unfurled scroll with Cyrillic text 'Repent ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand,' (Matthew 3:2); right hand raised in blessing; landscape with sand-dunes and trees; gilded title above; the upper border with gilt Slavonic inscription reading 'Holy John the Forerunner'; from the Palekh Icon School, probably made in Mstera circa 1890. 1.02 kg, 31 cm high
Fine condition.
Ex property of a London lady, part of her family's collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.11546-196366.
The Palekh icon school emerged in the 17th century, inspired by the Moscow and Suzdal traditions of icon painting. Although preserving many features of traditional Russian iconography, the school created its own style that remained active into the 18th century. The hallmarks of the school include the frequent use of gold on the clothes of the saints and a rich palette. Bodies are shown as tall and slender and abrupt transitions between light and shadow are distinctive features of Palekh icons. The wings of Saint John derive from the double meaning of the Greek word used to describe him in Mark 1:2 - Angelos, meaning both messenger and angel. John is often called a 'Heavenly Man' and 'Earthly Angel' in Orthodoxy. At his feet is shown a small tree with an axe cutting into it, illustrating Luke 3:9, 'And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the tree...' -
Stone Head of a Goddess
Likely 19th-20th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £169
Life-sized female head with abundant wavy hair, covered by the folds of a palla; mounted on a custom-made stand. 21.4 kg total, 45.8 cm high including stand
Private collection, France. -
Neoclassical Carnelian Gemstone of Roman Emperor Trajan
Italy, 18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
Intaglio profile bust with short hair and laurel wreath; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.01 grams, 21 mm
Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.
