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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.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
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)
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Post Medieval Silver-Mounted Glass Pendant
Germany, 17th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Octagonal in plan with ropework and foliage frame, suspension loop. 52.2 grams, 65 mm
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market. -
Georgian Gold Ring with Carnelian Gemstone with Head of Papposilenus
Italy, 18th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Narrow hoop forked at the shoulders and supporting an oval open-backed setting with a slightly convex orange carnelian intaglio depicting the head of Papposilenus facing, wearing a wreath on his bald head, long beard and open mouth; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.31 grams, 21.59 mm overall, 18.67 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
There is a stable internal fissure within the intaglio.
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.13317-257960.
The image, derived from Graeco-Roman mythology, represents Papposilenus, a semi-bestial figure with a round face dominated by a thick, unkempt beard and a completely bald head. The subject depicted is the eldest Silenus (the meaning of his name) and the wisest of Dionysus’s retinue; indeed, the infant Dionysus was entrusted to his care. -
Post Medieval Silver Snuff Box Set with Agate Intaglio of Saint Jerome
Italy, 16th-17th century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Decorated with a repeating motif of acanthus leaves and facing masks of Bacchus; lid of set with an agate intaglio of Saint Jerome kneeling before a crucifix within a rope-twist and dog's tooth border, surrounded by leafy swags on a pounced field; old collector's label 'Walecki Collection 207006' to inner lid. 52.7 grams, 53 mm
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market.
