Post Medieval Bone Figure of Christ

Rectangular plaque with enamel cloisonné scene of Mary and Joseph during the flight in Egypt; left, the door of the inn open with Saint Aphrodisius emerging, head bowed; centre Jacob, stepbrother of Jesus, advancing with rod and flag over his shoulder, holding the reins of the donkey; right Mary perched on the donkey's back and St Joseph supporting infant Christ. 337 grams, 183 mm



From an old French collection. Acquired on the French art market circa 2000. From the personal collection of Derek Rogers, Suffolk, UK.

The plaque shows a version of the 'flight into Egypt' that became popular in Holland in the 16th century, it shows Saint Aphrodisius (venerated by the French as the first bishop of Beziers) welcoming the Holy family to his house, in the background is the palm tree that is said to have bent to shelter the mother and baby from the sun; as shown on this plaque, earlier iconography shows Joseph sometimes carrying the child on his shoulders while the donkey is led by an older boy who may represent the Lord's brother Jacob, who according the tradition of the Orthodox Church is interpreted to be one of the Joseph's sons by a previous marriage.

Tongue-shaped panel with polychrome figure of a bishop standing wearing a mitre, alb and chasuble, holding a processional cross in one hand and a large book in the other, head tilted forward and eyes lowered in the act of reading; lead cames with loop to the apex; cracked and repaired. 222 grams, 20 cm



De Baecque Vente aux enchere, 8 June 2023, no.511 (part). Ex central London gallery.

In the form of a standing dog with broad neck and partially covered mouth, strap handle to rear of the neck, squat body with curved plate to the rear; low-relief meander patterns. 3.85 kg, 36.5 cm high



Ex West Country collection, UK, 1970-1990s.