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LOT 0402
Post-Classical Chalcedony Gemstone with Two Facing Busts of the Dioscuri
19TH CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
3/4 in. (2.17 grams, 19 mm).
Incuse male profile busts with stars in the background and other objects in the field; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
ProvenanceAcquired on the French art market.
Private collection, England.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0402
Post-Classical Chalcedony Gemstone with Two Facing Busts of the Dioscuri
Estimate £600 - 800€700 - 930 (for guidance only)$810 - 1,080 (for guidance only)
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Post Medieval Gold Fede Ring
England, 16th-17th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
Slender shank and expanding shoulders formed as lace cuffs, the bezel a pair of clasped hands gripping a heart. 3.71 grams, 23.07 mm overall, 20.14 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market.
The two clasping hands with elaborate cuffs clutch a heart. This ring features the ancient fede motif of two hands clasped together, however in their grasp is a heart. These symbols represented love and fidelity. The ring was likely a token of love symbolising everlasting devotion, or possibly a betrothal ring. The word Fede takes its name from the Italian word for faith or trust with the two clasped hands symbolising an attachment that usually led to marriage. The motif of the two clasped hands was already in use in ancient Rome, it was a symbol of pledging of vows, which derives from the Roman ‘dextarum iunctio’ (right hand joined). Fede rings remained popular throughout Europe until well into the 19th century with their peak of manufacture during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. -
Enamelled Gold Pendant Depicting the Virgin and Child with Saints
Sicily, 17th-18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,900
Decorated to obverse with a vase abundant with flowers in a mountainous landscape, with reserved roundels containing the images of Saints Anthony of Padua, John the Baptist and Saint Dominic de Guzmán; reverse with another vase in a landscape emitting a rose garland supporting an image of the Virgin and Child in Majesty, amidst clouds and angels. 24 grams, 61 mm
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the French art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13057-248398.
The pendant is decorated in the manner of Giuseppe Bruno who was an enameler from Messina, Sicily (active c.1652-82). -
Cylinder Seal Electrotype Group
Late 19th-early 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Of academic interest, copper-coated lead seal impressions including presentation scenes, hunting scenes, court scenes; one with cuneiform text. 240 grams total, 34-45 mm
Possibly made by the British Museum. From a West Country, UK, private collection.
