Post Medieval Coral Memento Mori Janus Chaplet Bead with Head of Christ and Skull

Raised pellet decoration on the hoop and bezel, set with a mottled green cabochon. 8.65 grams, 30.74 mm overall, 20.51 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)



London, UK, collection, 1980s-1990s.

Comprising: a profile bust of a mature bearded man, possibly depicting a philosopher; a profile bust of a youthful woman with dressed hair. 14.3 grams total, 29 mm each



Acquired on the European art market.

Depicted lying on a riverbed, leaning on his right side, his aged face framed by a rich, flowing beard, his wavy hair held back by a taenia; his body, naked and corpulent, is covered only by a light cloak wrapping his legs; his left hand is stretched forward, his right hand resting on a vase pouring water from the river; the figure stands out against a smooth, semicircular cut wall; mounted on an old collection marble base. 13 kg, 44.5 cm wide

With evidence of break along outer edges suggesting the fragment was once part of a larger composition or fountain. Areas of old glue remnants to the broken edge. The marble is stable, with age staining to the entire surface; minor chips throughout but generally in very good condition.

Previously in an old European collection, probably from the 18th/19th century, based on the old collection marble base and mounting technique. Private collection, France. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no. 13239-251810.

The representations of river or sea divinities usually depicted them in the same position, with naked torso wrapped only in a wide cloak, and usually bearded. The sculpture bears similarities with the sculpture of a river divinity, in the Archaeological Museum of Napoli (inv. 5977), from Rome and belonging to the Farnese Collection, from the second half of the 2nd century A.D.