Post Classical Shell Cameo of a Lady

Formed as a standing bull with exaggerated neckhump, four stub legs and long curving horns, U-shaped muzzle forming the spout. 1.37 kg, 36.5 cm wide



Private collection of Dr Alvin M. Soffe (c.1922–1995) and Elizabeth Ann Soffe, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, acquired circa 1960s–1970s; thence by descent. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00256670.

Depicting a bust of a bearded mature man, probably a saint, wearing a yellow cloak and a lighter undergarment, looking to the side with a pensive expression, with a small tuft of grey hair on top of his head; oil on copper panel and set in a moulded frame, an old label on the reverse 'Italian School: 'Study of a Man with a Grey Beard' oil on copper, 7 x 5ins.' 1.26 kg total, 32 x 27.5 cm



Private collection, London, UK.

The glazed silver pendant containing illuminated miniatures on each side, one side depicting Saint Roch and the other Saint Matthew; Saint Roch shown seated on the ground while an angel is attending his bubonic plaque sore on his thigh, and a white dog at his feet; Saint Matthew on the other sode depicted writing the Gospel with a young attendant holding a book beside him; the frame with a fixed bale to to the top and the sides adorned with a twisted silver wire decoration. 36.2 grams, 58 mm



Acquired on the European art market.

Saint Roch (c. 1348–1379) is a Catholic saint, revered as the patron of plague victims, dogs, and the sick. Born in Montpellier, France, he devoted his life to caring for those suffering from the plague. According to legend, he contracted the disease himself but was miraculously healed with the help of a dog that brought him food and licked his wounds. He is often depicted with a pilgrim’s staff, a dog by his side, and a wound on his leg. His feast day is celebrated on August 16. Saint Matthew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the traditional author of the Gospel of Matthew. Before following Jesus, he was a tax collector, known as Levi. He is considered the patron saint of accountants, bankers, and tax collectors. His gospel emphasises Jesus as the Messiah and the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies. According to tradition, he preached in various regions, including Ethiopia and Persia, before being martyred. His feast day is celebrated on September 21.