Roman Style Silver Dog Brooch

Showing the Evangelists and the Crucifixion with Saint Mary, Saint John and Saint Longinos on one side with Greek inscription 'STAVROSIS (Η ΣΤΑΥΡΟΣΙΣ = the Crucifixion)' above; the Baptism on the other side with Greek inscription 'VANGELISMOU (Η ΒΑΝΓΕΛΙΣΜΟΥ = the Apparition)' above, evangelists depicted above and below with the angels Gabriel and Michael to the sides. 93 grams, 19.5 cm



Acquired from Portobello Road, London, in the 1980s. Property of a London, UK, gentleman collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

The term ‘Dodekaorton cross’ is the most appropriate for this category of crosses and is used in other codices of the post-Byzantine period. These small crosses were used by the Hieromonks for blessings to the faithful and in various processions and liturgies, and were often mounted with frames made of precious materials. The carving of wooden crosses is regarded as an art traditionally practiced by Athonite monks. Ioannis Komninos in 1698 and the Jesuit priest Braconnier in 1706 both refer to the carved wooden pectorals and crosses made by the monks in order to provide themselves with a livelihood.

D-shaped in section with black enamelled outer face and reserved skull, bones and foliage; engraving to inner face 'M.P. ob. 19 Aug .1723 aet 47' and maker's mark 'D.M'. 4.99 grams, 20.97 mm overall, 17.41 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an East Sussex collector. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12555-231633. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

This maker's mark is not listed in the standard works, e.g. Jackson, Sir C.J., English Goldsmiths and Their Marks, London, 1921.

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. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.