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LOT 2140
Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Christ Flanked by Mary, Maria, and Saint John
19TH CENTURY A.D.
6 1/2 in. (270 grams, 16.6 cm).
Representing the Saviour on the cross, the titulum inscribed with the letters 'ΙC ΧΡ' (Jesus Christ); Cyrillic inscriptions over the sun (Солнце) and the moon (Луна), flanking Jesus and above the heads of the figures: Mary of Magdala (Мария Магдала), the Mother of God ('ΜΡ ϴΥ'), Saint John the Theologian (Св Иоанн) and Saint Longinus (Св Лонгин); on the background the symbols of the Passion (sponge on reed, spear and a skull set on stones marking the site as Golgotha, twisted cords or wire, skan) and the city of Jerusalem; on the upper part of the cross the Archangels Michael and Gabriel with cloth-covered hands, the Mandylion above them.
ProvenanceAcquired from Chris Martin-Zakheim, Iconastas, 5 Piccadilly Arcade, London SW1.
From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s.
Cf. Eighme Ahlborn, R., Beaver-Bricken Espinola, V., Russian Copper Icons and crosses from the Kunz Collection: Castings of Faith, Washington, 1991, nos.25819.003ff., pp.42ff., for similar iconography.
FootnotesOrthodox travel icons were used by the faithful to carry a sacred representation with them during their journeys, offering protection and a constant spiritual connection. The icon features meticulous craftsmanship with intricate details of the Passion and Death of the Saviour, according to the Byzantine iconography.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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LOT 2140
Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Christ Flanked by Mary, Maria, and Saint John
Estimate £250 - 350€290 - 410 (for guidance only)$340 - 470 (for guidance only)
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Post Medieval Silver Love Token Collection
18th-19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Each coin worn flat and bent into a double-curved 's' profile, for use as a token of love. 17.55 grams total, 18-20 mm
Found Tyne and Wear, UK. This lot is for UK buyers only, not for export.
The custom of giving a bent coin as a love-token is known from the 17th century in England. The coins were usually smoothed to obliterate the monarch’s head and then bent twice; sometimes they were engraved with initials or symbols such as hearts or knots. If the sweetheart accepted the youth's advances, she kept the token; if not, she disposed of it. The tradition is referred to in the children's rhyme 'There was a crooked man, and he walked a crooked mile, and found a crooked sixpence upon a crooked stile.' -
Renaissance Polished Imperial Porphyry Pestle with Rare Xenolith
Italian, 17th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £1,040
Modelled as round-section tubular body, shaft with rounded top; rare xenolith to the handle. 1.23 kg, 19.2 cm
Acquired from a dealer in Kensington Church Street, London, UK, in 2000. From the private collection of a Somerset gentleman. -
Post Medieval Gold Ring with Carnelian Gemstone Depicting the Roman God Neptune
Italy, 19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
Depicting Neptune advancing nude from a scallop shell, holding a trident in one hand and pointing with the other; billowing banner to his rear; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 15.19 grams, 31.43 mm overall, 19.60 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13053-248373.
Throughout Europe, and far beyond, talented gem-cutters were at work in the 19th century. Neptune was appreciated by Neoclassical cutters, as shown by a carnelian gemstone with the profile of Neptune, his face serene amidst a storm, by the American engraver George Hewitt Cushman (1814-1876).
