Post Medieval Bronze Vesica-Shaped Plaque with Saint

With flared rim, leaf pattern to the shoulder, handle formed as a kouros with arms flexed, hands reaching towards two dogs on the rim; fluted body decorated with lotus flower design. 1.24 kgm 17.8 cm



From the private collection of a S.W. London gentleman, acquired in the 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Considered to be after a Corinthian model, stolen from the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Taranto and now lost.

Hollow-formed miniature of a sphinx couchant with forelegs extended, wearing the nemes crown and with tasseled braid placed along the spine; mounted on a wooden display stand. 1.44 kg total, 25 wide including stand



From the private collection of a S.W. London gentleman, acquired in the 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The most celebrated Sphinx in Egyptian mythology is the monument built near the pyramids as a protective symbol, to wish the pharaoh a peaceful afterlife. It has a leonine body and a human head. The Sphinx could be shown as male or female, depending on the pharaoh or queen it had to protect. The inclusion of sphinxes in temple complexes became a tradition lasting into the Roman period and Late Antiquity. Many pharaohs had their heads carved atop the guardian statues of their tombs, in part to show their close relationship with the powerful solar deity Sekhmet, a lioness. This cast bronze sphinx is a fine example of neoclassical sculptural art under the influence of Egyptomania and the renewed interest in the culture of ancient Egypt sparked by Napoleon’s Egyptian Campaign from 1798. At a time when only few could afford a trip to Egypt during the peak of Egyptomania contact could be made with Egyptian culture through literature, architecture and art. Particularly influential were Vivant Denon’s Voyage dans la Basse et la Haute Égypte, the Institute of Egypt's Description de l'Égypte, Robert Adams's interior decoration, Verdi’s Aida and the pedestal sphinxes protecting the obelisk of Tuthmosis III (Cleopatra's Needle).

Including a polychrome hot-worked Javan bead, pipe bowl, scarabs and other items. 127 grams total, 17-54 mm



From the private collection of Kenneth Machin (1936-2020), Buckinghamshire, UK; his collection of antiquities and natural history was formed since 1948; thence by descent. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.