Post Medieval Mixed Glass Drinks Bottles Group

Comprising the upper body of a young female figure, likely the goddess Venus, shrouded in a palla mantle worn over the robe and draped over the head as a hood; the left arm bent to form folds and gatherings in the cloth, the right arm shown beneath the cloth held bent to the right breast. 133 kg, 84 cm high



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.11687-199355.

In Roman mythology, Venus was the goddess of love, sex, beauty and fertility. Married to the god Vulcan, Venus's principal divine lover was Mars, with whom she was famously trapped in bed with a net by Vulcan. The goddess also had numerous mortal lovers - Adonis for example. The earliest known instance of a temple dedicated to Venus was founded on the Aventine Hill in 295 B.C. She is most closely associated with the month of April, the beginning of the season of spring.

Engraved with leaf and tendril detailing to the outer face, inscribed to the inner face 'Φ semper vna' (Φ forever one). 9.33 grams, 21.04 mm overall, 18.27 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



Property of a Jersey gentleman; by inheritance from his father.

Composed of a slender hoop expanding at the arms, oval-shaped cushion bezel set with a cut and polished carnelian gemstone, fluting to the reverse of the bezel, saltires and crescents to the hoop. 5.20 grams, 23.18 mm overall, 19.36 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)

Fine condition.

Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.