Post Medieval Gold Ring with Mercury Gemstone

A carved marble bust of a mature male with stern features, likely the emperor Carus, shown with short, neatly-dressed hair and beard; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 10.4 kg, 38 cm high including stand



French collection, 1960s-early 2000s. From an important Paris gallery, France. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11694-199338.

Carus reigned 282-283 A.D. He served as a prefect of the guard to emperor Probus, whom he succeeded. Whilst leading a campaign against the Sassanians, Carus died suddenly and under mysterious circumstances, leading to the belief that he was struck by lightning. Little is known of his life, owing to the relative instability of that time period. Whether he had Probus murdered, or whether he was killed by mutinous troops was disputed even by his contemporaries. Carus was succeeded by his sons Carinus and Numerian, although their reigns were short-lived and his dynasty was soon supplanted. Carinus’ lasting legacy was principally the suppression of the authority of the senate. He has gone down in history as one of the tyrants of ancient Rome.

A gold finger ring with segmented hoop, cupped bezel with rosette to the underside, inset jasper cloison with intaglio advancing balatro jester playing pan-pipes while a dog jumps at his lower legs. 8.27 grams, 30.52 mm overall, 18.80 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)



English private collection.

A central plaque from a brass triptych with standing nimbate Mother of God, dressed in a chlamys and tunica talaris, with her arms extended outward and the head turned to the right, surrounded by two groups of worshippers, arranged in three rows: the angels at the top, the right ones at the centre and prophets with angels at the bottom; two flags flying horizontally on each side of her head, surrounded by plant decorations, while the sun and moon are depicted at the two corners of the plaque, separated by an inscription in Russian; in the upper part, in the shape of an eastern dome, is represented the Holy Trinity, Father and Son, seated on a throne of clouds, a cross in the middle surmounted by a dove. 142 grams, 13 cm high

Fair condition.

Acquired on the UK art market, 2000s. Property of an Essex gentleman.

The icon represents the Intercession of Mary, 'Joy of all who sorrow'. It formed the central part of a triptych with the Mother of God at the centre, surmounted by iconography of veneration. The (here missing) other parts of the triptych were embossed with scenes of the lives of Christ or Mary.