Post Medieval Enamelled Pendant

A marble torso from a once larger statue of the goddess Venus, modelled naturalistically, inspired by Praxiteles's nude Aphrodite from the Greek city-state of Knidos. 51.1 kg total, 64 cm high including stand



French collection, 1960s-early 2000s. From an important Paris gallery, France.

The original statue of nude Aphrodite (Venus) was created for the Temple of Aphrodite at Knidos as a devotion monument. It represented the nude Goddess as she proceeded for the ceremonial bath that regenerated her pureness, discreetly concealing herself with her hand and holding a cloth with her other hand. The monument is famous for its beauty, and it is intended to be seen from every aspect.

A gold memento mori ring of composite construction, with everted upper and lower rim engraved with foliate motifs to the front faces, recessed central band engraved with a floral panel and inscription 'IN MEMORY OF', with continued inscription to the interior in cursive script 'O. Coates Obt. 12. Oct 1847, aet 54', followed by the hallmarks comprising: HI or IH maker's mark, anchor for Birmingham, 18 carat mark, George IV duty mark and date letter 'Gothic A' for 1824; field to exterior keyed to receive enamel; seemingly an older ring with later inscription. 1.50 grams, 19.63 mm overall, 17.78 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)



Found Romney Marsh area, Kent, UK. Property of a Kent gentleman.

A carved marble figural panel depicting a religious scene, probably St. Francis of Assisi receiving the Holy Stigmata; a kneeling figure in loose-fitting cowl and habit with knotted cord to the waist, arms spread and head raised towards a chiaroscuro sunburst with a figure at the centre, wearing a loincloth and affixed to a plain cross, borne up by three pairs of wings attached to the shoulders and thighs; below, a second, smaller figure holding a book; all in a landscape with a tree at right behind the larger figure; mounted on a custom-made stand. 75 cm high including stand



English private collection.

The scene probably represents the events just prior to the end of the life of St. Francis of Assisi: while he was praying on a mountain with his companion, Brother Leo, he is said to have had a vision of a seraph (a six-winged angel on a cross) which gave him the gift of the stigmata, the five wounds of Christ. The apparition caused a deterioration in Francis's health and no cure could be found, so the saint spent the remaining days of his life dictating his spiritual message to Leo, who preserved the record of these events.