Post Medieval Altar Tapestry Frontal

In oil and tempera on a slightly curved wooden panel, depicting the Theotokos (Mother of God) and the infant Jesus on a plain green field; Mary wearing a red maphorion mantle over a dark blue robe, with elaborate golden brocade to the hem, floral ornaments to the upper part of the garment; the infant facing to left, resting on Mary's left arm, dressed in white tunic, wrapped in a red shawl, right hand making the pax gesture, left hand extended holding a scroll; Greek inscription in red lettering 'ΜΡ ΘΥ (Μήτηρ (τοῦ) Θεοῦ = Mother of God)' flanking Mary's head; inscription in Greek 'ΙϹ ΧϹ (ΙΗϹΟΥϹ ΧΡΙϹΤΟϹ = Jesus Christ)' above the infant; silver-gilt repoussé cover with inscription. 574 grams, 22 x 15 cm



Property of a London, UK, gentleman collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

The icon shows the Virgin in the attitude of Hodegetria. This is the iconographical type of Virgin Mary one encounters most frequently in an Eastern Orthodox church or home, Hodegetria meaning 'Mother of God Pointing the Way'. The Virgin Mary is shown with the Christ on her lap, looking at the viewer and her right hand indicating Christ, seeming to say 'Follow Him'.

With barrel-shaped profile to the body, three radiating stub legs, scooped square handles, domed lid with three loop handles; low-relief cloud pattern ornament; after the antique. 2.7 kg, 27 cm wide



From a London, UK, collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

The bezel with a clasped hands motif with a heart at the centre and elaborate cuffs, narrow D-section hoop; inscribed to the inner face 'No treasure to a true friend' with a long S, worn maker's mark at the end of the inscription, appearing to have the letters 'IV' or IW' in Roman capitals within a simple escutcheon. 2.26 grams, 18.54 mm overall, 16.40 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)



Found near Burstow, Tanbridge, Surrey, UK, on Monday 1st May 2023; disclaimed with treasure reference 2023 T419. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme report no.SUR-OAA74B. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

If the maker's mark is 'IV' it may correspond to John Vickerman, a goldsmith active in London from 1768 to 1773. Alternatively, if the maker's mark is 'IW' it may correspond to a number of makers: John Williamson, 1650; John Ward, 1660; James Wilkes, 1722; or John White, 1724.