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LOT 0357
Scandinavian Viking Period Silver-Gilt Corpus Christi
CIRCA 11TH CENTURY A.D.
4 1/2 in. (70 grams, 11.7 cm wide).
Modelled in the half-round with elongated arms and exaggerated hands, head tilted and eyes downcast in solemn expression, long hair falling on his shoulders in hanks; wearing a knee-length pleated garment, secured to the waist with a thick knotted rope, gilt roundels to hands and feet to indicate wounds; attaches to lot 358.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of an antiquarian and collector of medieval art.
Acquired on the London art market.
Private collection, London, UK.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12731-234561.
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.
Cf. similar Corpus Christi on the crosses from the Book of Aribert of Intimiano (1018-1045), and in the Church of Helmstedt, Niedersachsen, Kloster of St.Liudger, in Romisch-Germanischen Zentralmuseum Mainz (RGZM), Das Reich der Salier, 1024-1125, Sigmaringen, 1992, pp.381-383; see also a very similar crucifix with crowned Christ, copper-coated wood, c. 1050-1100, in Åby monastry near Århus, Denmark.
FootnotesThe magnificent crucifix is paralleled by two wonderful crucifixes in the Danish Churches of Århus and Lisbjerg. In accordance with the old tradition derived from Byzantium, Christ is depicted as alive, standing in front of his cross, with nailed hands. It may have once been part of an altar decoration or rather have been placed above or in the chancel arch of a church.
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LOT 0357
Scandinavian Viking Period Silver-Gilt Corpus Christi
Estimate £15,000 - 20,000€17,400 - 23,200 (for guidance only)$20,250 - 27,000 (for guidance only)
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Viking Age Solid Gold Ring
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
Octagonal in section with multiple abrasions to all faces. 8.94 grams, 22.64 mm overall, 17.07 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)
Property of a Cambridgeshire, UK, collector. From his private collection since the 1970s; thence by descent circa 2000. Ex private collection of a Bedfordshire gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The polygonal section of the ring suggests a date of manufacture in Late Anglo-Saxon or Anglo-Scandinavian culture. This feature was noted in respect of some items in the Cuerdale Hoard of 9th-10th century date, for example a ring-fragment (British Museum accession no.1841,0711.508). -
Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Interlaced Beast Mount
11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
With openwork Urnes Style design of coiled serpent with head at the lower edge, two upper coils forming the attachment loops. 2.92 grams, 22 mm
Found Doncaster, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The style of the piece is very reminiscent of a bronze Urnes Style brooch in the Nationalmuseet, Copenhagen published in Wilson, D.M. and Klindt-Jensen, O. Viking Art, London, 1968, pl.LXXIII (f). The swept curves of the tendrils which enmesh the serpent's body are a noted feature of the style, which is found also in the great Norwegian stave churches and elsewhere. -
Scandinavian Pre-Viking Bronze Patrix Die with God and Drinking Horn
4th-5th century A.D.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Modelled in the half-round, advancing figure with bent legs and holding a drinking horn. 7.62 grams, 37 mm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. 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.