Rock Crystal Vase with Lions Attacking Ibex and Stag

With a flat-section hoop, expanding openwork shoulders with applied wire decoration; oval bezel set with blue glass cabochon fashioned from a bead. 14.65 grams, 30.32 mm overall, 19.14 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S, USA 9, Europe 20, Japan 19)



From the family collection of a Hampstead gentleman; formerly acquired in the 1980s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

In late 15th century style, showing Christ on the foreground rising to heaven, surrounded by Mary and the eleven apostles, Jesus dressed in a white tunica talaris and a red cloak; natural background, medieval Flemish inscription at the bottom ‘DE HEMELVAART VAN CHRISTUS’ (the Ascension of Christ) in uncial letters; some restoration. 4.5 kg, 65 x 53.5 cm

Some restoration.

From a war-damaged church in Belgium. Ex property of a late Northumberland collector. From a private collection, Derbyshire, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The scene represents the Ascension of Christ, described in Luke 24,1 and Acts 1,1-9. The Ascension is the last episode of Jesus' earthly presence according to the two narratives. It describes his definitive ascension to heaven, from which he will return only at the end of time (Parousia).

In late 15th century style, showing nimbate Jesus falling under the weight of the cross, wearing a crown of thorns, led to Calvary by three men-at-arms, two of whom wearing full plate armour while the third, now barely visible, can only be seen in his yellow robe and pink cap; Flemish inscription below ‘DE KRUISDRAGING JESUS’ (Jesus wears the Cross) in uncial letters; some restoration. 4.5 kg, 65 x 53.5 cm

Some restoration.

From a war-damaged church in Belgium. Ex property of a late Northumberland collector. From a private collection, Derbyshire, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The scene represents the tragic moments of the Passion according to the Christian tradition, when Jesus succumbed under the weight of the cross. The episode is not in the Gospels, however, in the three synoptics it is noted that the three soldiers requested Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross in place of Jesus. Interestingly, the artist here painted the soldiers in contemporary armour (sallet, complete armour for breast, arms and legs), giving a good chronological element for the dating.