Post Medieval Silver Cross Pendant

A free-standing, naturalistically modelled figure of Saint Barbara, standing in an animated manner beside a scaled-down tower or turret with stone and glass came detailing, the saint shown with one bare foot emerging from beneath the hem of her luxuriant floor-length robes, adorned with a jewel near her right breast and crowned with a jewelled diadem; extensive remains of gesso and polychrome pigmentation; metal fitting to reverse for securing the figure upright. 38.3 kg, 1.34 m high



English private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11677-199840.

Saint Barbara is the patron saint of architects. Her father constructed a tower and imprisoned his daughter within it. To honour the Holy Trinity, Barbara had three windows incorporated into the design. The timber shows some old insect flight holes and we are advised that this piece has been recently treated with Permethrin, as a precaution.

A marble interpretation of the famous 'Bathing Venus' (Pudica Venus) statue, modelled naturalistically in the round, nude, hair piled behind her head, holding her garment to her breast, standing on a composite discoid base imitating a stone pavement, with a casket at her feet; after Giambologna's Renaissance original; restored. 21.2 kg, 78 cm high

Old repair to neck.

French collection, 1960s-early 2000s. From an important Paris gallery, France.

The original 'Bathing Venus' statue in bronze has been attributed to Giambologna (Giovanni da Bologna) (1529-1608), and was probably created for King Henry IV of France as a diplomatic gift from Ferdinando I de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany. This is a neoclassical interpretation of that Renaissance statue.

A group of four coral cameos displaying ladies of fashion in relief, each individual in pose, character and detail. 1.49 grams total, 8-12 mm



From the collection of G.M.R.H., London, UK.