Pumtek Necklace Bead Group

Figure of Christ lying on a rectangular panel, dressed in a loincloth and with the hammer, nail and pliers of the crucifixion left at his side with the crown of thorns; stacked cushions beneath his head, winding sheet draped over his lower body. 25.35 kg, 48.5 x 25.5 cm



Private collection, England. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12307-215653.

The ecclesiastical statuary of the late Baroque and early Rococo periods focused heavily on the theme of the passion of Christ, with statues representing the sleeping Jesus, with the symbols of the passion next to him. The position of our sculpture is particularly reminiscent of the marvellous statue of the 'Veiled Christ' by Giuseppe Sammartino, a masterpiece of 18th century religious sculpture. The anatomy of the limbs is realistic, and the instruments of passion, placed at the feet of Christ, create a narrative, also visible in the folds of the veil that covers half of the body.

A portable icon depicting the Crucifixion, Mary and Saint John the Theologian flanking the cross, angels in the upper corners, Golgotha skull under the cross and inscription I.N.R.I. to the upper part of the cross; crenelated frame with hanging loop to the top. 92 grams, 67 mm



UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.

The scene corresponds to John's Gospel: 'Here is your son.' 'Here is your mother.' (John 19:25-27). Portable icons of this kind were often carried by soldiers or by the travellers during a war, to assure the Divine protection and journey's safety.

Mainly ellipsoid carnelian cloisons with incuse animal imagery. 15 grams total, 14-22 mm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a North London, UK, gentleman.