Post Medieval Lead Ram's Head Finial

Comprising: wooden triptych with gilt field and painted figures of St Nikolas and St Charalambos in the lateral panels and SS Konstantine, Helen and Barbara in the central panel, each with red lettering above; house in a purpose-made silver case with engraved scene to the central panel of Maria Theotokos flanked by celestial figures holding a crown above her head; front panels with facing figures of SS Nikolas, Barbara, Konstantine, Helena and Charalambos; in a custom-made wooden travelling case with hooked fastener. 331 grams total, 11.8 x 9.4 cm including case



Ex Iconastas, London SW1, UK, in 1997. Property of a London, UK, gentleman collector. Accompanied by a copy of the Iconastas invoice no.7463 dated 7 April 1997.

Finely wrought oval mirror case featuring a vivid polychrome enamel scene on a black ground, enclosed within a gilt-copper frame; the front adorned with a depiction of Mercury, identifiable by his winged helmet and caduceus, standing beneath a classical arch flanked by stylised columns and vases of flowers; above the entablature, a canopy held aloft by two snails, while twin pouring ewers crown the upper corners, issuing stylised streams; the architectural and ornamental elements highlighted with translucent and opaque enamel, highlighted with gilding and intricate punchwork; the frame with a guilloche border, surmounted by a pierced rocaille loop with a scallop motif, and terminating below in a turned pendant finial; the sides of the frame engraved with a delicate foliate frieze, the reverse flat-chased with three vases of stylised flowers issuing from scrolled supports, framed above by draped swags, butterflies, and a winged cherubic mask; the case hinges open at the top, the interior, originally fitted with mirrored glass, now partially oxidised but retaining areas of reflection. 168 grams, 14.4 cm



Private collection, France. Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12998-246011.

The enamel composition is directly derived from a print by Étienne Delaune (1518/19-1583), from his series Grotesques à Fond Noir, Dieux et Déesses, created in France c.1550–1572 prior to his departure for Strasbourg. Delaune’s engravings were a principal source for Limoges enamellers of the late 16th and early 17th centuries, particularly in the production of oval mirror plaques for personal toilette or cabinet display.

Each hollow-formed and piriform in plan with high-relief mask, foliage and other detailing. 908 grams total, 11.5-22.5 cm



Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK.