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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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Roman Style Bronze Statuette of Victory
20th century A.D.Estimate: £20 - 30 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Modelled in the round figure of Victory standing on a rectangular base, with a palla draped from her shoulders and hips; wings spread to the rear (one tip absent); arms extended as if supporting a patera or similar item. 422 grams, 11.8 cm
Previously belonging to J Stewart, Mayfair, London, UK; acquired in the early 1980s. Property of a Middlesex gentleman. -
German Carnelian Cameo of Maria Theresa Mounted in a Brooch
Germany, 18th century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Skilfully carved cameo depicting the jewelled profile bust of Maria Theresa facing right, the background is highly polished, whilst the relief is rendered with contrasting polished and matt elements; the high-carat gold brooch setting likely original to the jewel and set with a border of blister pearls. 9.69 grams, 37 mm
Acquired on the European art market.
Maria Theresa Walburga Amalia Christina (c.1717-80) was ruler of the Habsburg dominions from 1740 until she died in 1780, and the only woman to hold the position suo jure. She was the sovereign of Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Bohemia, Transylvania, Mantua, Milan, Lodomeria and Galicia, the Austrian Netherlands, and Parma. -
Late Renaissance Double-Sided Heliotrope Cameo of Christ and the Virgin in Gold Ring
Italy, 17th century A.D.Estimate: £3,500 - 4,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,750
Comprising a dark green oval cameo with bright red flecks, on the upper side, a veiled head of Mary with a solemn expression, the underside featuring a classical depiction of bearded Jesus with long hair and wearing a draped garment; set in a substantial gold ring with a wide hoop. 15.59 grams, 25.53 mm overall, 16.26 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)
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.13390-257998.
It was believed that the scarlet flecks in the stone were the blood of Christ, hence its popular use for the subject of Christ throughout the Middle Ages until the 19th century.
