Post Medieval Gold Ring with Gemstone

A wooden triptych with recessed central panel and two folding doors; the central panel with crucifixion scene with robed Mary and John the Evangelist, another apostle and Mary Magdalen, two crucified thieves to the rear and the angels depicted collecting the blood of God in cups; underneath the Crucifixion scene Virgin Mary and the Child escorted by armed Saint Gabriel and Saint Michael, prophets to the sides; the left door with nude Adam and Eve reaching up to the Resurrection of Christ, beneath them three prophets; the right door with two saints (upper panel) and three prophets; left and right bottom panels with Saint George (Bet Giorgis) and military Saint Victor on horseback; Ethiopian Ge'ez script legends. 760 grams, 35.5 x 21.5 cm



Acquired on the London art market, 2003. UK private collection.

The icon shows the Western influence on Ethiopian art. The first element is the orb which the Child holds in his left hand and the second element is the pose of his right hand. The orb appeared in Ethiopian paintings around 1500 A.D. Moreover, his hand shows two fingers outstretched, the index and middle finger, and the two last fingers folded.

A group of four single-edged iron knives including one with openwork grip. 112 grams total, 10.5-15 cm

Fair condition.

Found Thames foreshore, London, UK, 1970s-1980s. Ex UK collection. Property of a Portsmouth, UK gentleman.

An exquisite tempera with gold ground on wood icon depicting Mary surrounded by saints and holding the Divine Child in her arms; Mary seated on an elaborate throne and crowned as the Queen of the Universe with two angels supporting her crown, Greek inscription 'MP' and 'ΘΥ' for Mother of God to each side of the crown, wearing a scarlet red maphorion embroidered with gold and a long dark blue tunica talaris; Jesus dressed in a linen tunic and a yellow cloak, affectionately gazing up and making the sign of blessing with his right hand; four saints flanking the throne, three of whom dressed in Bishop's attire, far left Saint Basil with his name written in Greek, and the others possibly saints Elias, Nicholas and Gregorius Nazianzus; the lower part of the icon with Saint George on horseback killing the dragon and Saint Demetrius on horseback killing the king of Avars, both saints dressed in pseudo-Roman armour and armed with a spear. 2.4 kg, 44 x 35 cm



Property of a London lady, part of her family's collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11570-198597.

The representation of the icon is centred on the image of the Mother of God as ‘The Sovereign’ (Vasilissa, Queen of the Universe). Here, Mary assumes the function of the protector of the believers, reinforced by the presence of the angels. Due to her earthly origin, Mary always maintained an intermediary position in the heavenly realms, becoming an indispensable intercessor on behalf of humans before the Lord. The protection offered by her is reinforced by the presence of the two major protectors of the humans against evil: Saint George and Saint Demetrius.