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LOT 0385
Post Medieval Gilt Bronze Chalice with Biblical Proverb in Latin
CONTINENTAL EUROPE, CIRCA 19TH CENTURY A.D.
4 3/8 in. (575 grams, 11.2 cm wide).
Squat in profile with stepped and carinated foot, deep shoulder to the bowl; engraved to the outer face in batada script between double horizontal rulings the legend 'Luxuriosa res vinum et tumultuosa ebrietas', a quotation from the biblical book of Proverbs, 20:1, translating to 'Wine is [a] luxurious [thing], and drunkenness is riotous'.
ProvenanceAcquired in Paris, France, circa 2000.
Personal collection of a Suffolk lady, UK.
Cf. Wheeler, R.E.M. (ed.), London Museum Catalogues: No.7, Medieval Catalogue, London, 1940, pl.LIX, for a more elaborate version of the type.
FootnotesThe biblical sentence was retaken by Saint Paul, who, wanting to warn the believers against the power of wine, similarly instructed by saying: ‘Beware of drunken wine, where there is luxury’. This kind of gluttony was considered by the Fathers of the Church dangerous, in that, after it has deprived the drinker of all rational sense, it opens and reveals and releases from his chest every secret, every hidden thing: it was considered a prodigal throwaway of its own goods and those of others, deaf to rebukes, and a destroyer of every praiseworthy custom.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0385
Post Medieval Gilt Bronze Chalice with Biblical Proverb in Latin
Estimate £800 - 1,000€930 - 1,160 (for guidance only)$1,080 - 1,350 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£400 (EUR 464; USD 540) +BP*
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Wooden Sculpture of Saint Francis of Assisi in Silver Pendant
Spanish Colonies, 17th-18th century A.D.Estimate: £350 - 450 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £175
A carved wooden figure of Saint Francis of Assisi holding a skull in his left hand and a cross in his right hand, set on a red fabric inside a silver tongue-shaped case with applied twisted wire decoration to the outer rim; attachment loop with ring to the top. 48.1 grams, 11 cm
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the French art market. -
Greek Seal Ring with Advancing Horse
3rd-2nd century B.C.Estimate: £60 - 80 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
With a slender hoop, an ellipsoid bezel with an intaglio horse motif. 2.57 grams, 23.58 mm overall, 19.03 x 20.10 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)
Ex property of a south London collector; acquired before 1980. Private collection, Suffolk, UK. -
Georgian Gold Ring with Renaissance Cameo of a Muse
16th-18th century A.D.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
Comprising a D-section hoop and a large fluted bezel set with a cameo depicting a female profile bust, her hair pulled to a chignon at the nape of her neck, with two loose strands elegantly resting on her shoulder. 11.70 grams, 27.74 mm overall, 18.38 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13319-257965.
This refined bust captures the timeless elegance of ancient iconography: delicate profile turned to the left, hair held by a chignon and diadem allowing the locks to escape and forming braids. The cameo is Italian and dates to the 16th century, the ring is 18th century.
