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LOT 0363
Silver Illuminated Miniature Pendant
FRANCE, 16TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/4 in. (36.2 grams, 58 mm).
The glazed silver pendant containing illuminated miniatures on each side, one side depicting Saint Roch and the other Saint Matthew; Saint Roch shown seated on the ground while an angel is attending his bubonic plaque sore on his thigh, and a white dog at his feet; Saint Matthew on the other sode depicted writing the Gospel with a young attendant holding a book beside him; the frame with a fixed bale to to the top and the sides adorned with a twisted silver wire decoration.
ProvenanceAcquired on the European art market.
FootnotesSaint Roch (c. 1348–1379) is a Catholic saint, revered as the patron of plague victims, dogs, and the sick. Born in Montpellier, France, he devoted his life to caring for those suffering from the plague. According to legend, he contracted the disease himself but was miraculously healed with the help of a dog that brought him food and licked his wounds. He is often depicted with a pilgrim’s staff, a dog by his side, and a wound on his leg. His feast day is celebrated on August 16. Saint Matthew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the traditional author of the Gospel of Matthew. Before following Jesus, he was a tax collector, known as Levi. He is considered the patron saint of accountants, bankers, and tax collectors. His gospel emphasises Jesus as the Messiah and the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies. According to tradition, he preached in various regions, including Ethiopia and Persia, before being martyred. His feast day is celebrated on September 21.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0363
Silver Illuminated Miniature Pendant
Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£500 (EUR 580; USD 675) +BP*
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Renaissance Gold Ring with Toadstone
Western Europe, 16th century A.D.Estimate: £8,000 - 10,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £4,000
Featuring a round-section large hoop expanding towards the shoulders, a large circular bezel with a Greek key motif encircling the outer rim and set with a brown 'toadstone'. 13.01 grams, 32.42 mm overall, 23.12 x 19.25 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V 1/2, USA 10 3/4, Europe 24.4, Japan 23)
Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13398-257996.
William Shakespeare’s As You Like It, circa 1599: 'Sweet are the uses of adversity, Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, Wears yet a precious jewel in his head.' Toadstones are mythical stones that were thought to be found inside the head of a toad. They were believed to sweat, change colour or even heat up in the presence of poison. It was thought that a toadstone placed on bites from snakes, insects, spiders and shrews would extract poison from the wound. They were thought to bring good luck and ward off evil, whether in the present life or in the afterlife. The Book of Secrets from the 13th century recommends swallowing the stone to 'cleanse the bowels of filth and excrements'. The stone could then be retrieved and used again. They were often set as amulets and talismans, a practice that continued in Europe until the 18th century. Toadstones are actually the button-like fossilised teeth of Lepidotes, an extinct genus of fish common in the Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods, 200 to 100 million years ago. -
Post Classical Red Jasper Cameo of Medusa
20th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Oval cameo with the face of Medusa with flowing hair, furrowed brow and piercing gaze. 1.48 grams, 14 mm
Acquired on the European art market. -
Post Medieval Artefact Group
16th-19th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Comprising: two whistles, a padlock, a finial, and a ring with a double cross motif. 64.3 grams total, 24-38 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
