Silver Inlaid Astrolabe

A gold ring composed of a slender hoop expanding at the arms, oval-shaped cushion bezel set with a cut and polished carnelian gemstone, fluting to the reverse of the bezel, saltires and crescents to the hoop. 5.20 grams, 23.18 mm overall, 19.36 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)

Fine condition.

Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

A large icon depicting the Virgin holding the Christ on her lap on a gilt background, both nimbate, the haloes with punched foliate decoration; the Virgin wearing a carmine red maphorion embellished with golden embroidery and fringes, elaborate cuffs and neckline to the himation; the Christ seated on the lap, holding his right arm out and making the blessing sign with his hand, left hand holding an open scroll inscribed in Greek πνευμα κυριου επ εμε ου ενεκεν εχρισεν με ευαγγελιζεσθαι πτωχοις απεσταλκεν με for 'The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor' (Luke 4:18-21), the green chiton and orange himation embellished with red folds; Greek inscription 'ΜΡ ΘΥ' for 'Mother of God' flanking the Virgin's halo, 'IC XC' for 'Jesus Christ' to the right of the Child and inside his nimbus 'O Ѿ N' for 'The Only One who always exists'; some restoration. 4.3 kg, 60 x 42.5 cm

very good condition; tempera on wood panel; vertical crack minimally restored.

Property of a London lady, part of her family's collection. 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 searcher certificate no.11572-198599.

In the Orthodox church, the spaces between the columns close to the central doors of the Iconostasis (Holy Doors) are occupied by two proskynesis icons, representing Christ giving his blessings to the right and to the left the Virgin Mary, with or without the infant, or in interceding position known as Virgin Chalkoprateia type.

A marble interpretation of the famous 'Bathing Venus' (Pudica Venus) statue, modelled naturalistically in the round, nude, hair piled behind her head, holding her garment to her breast, standing on a composite discoid base imitating a stone pavement, with a casket at her feet; after Giambologna's Renaissance original; restored. 21.2 kg, 78 cm high

Old repair to neck.

French collection, 1960s-early 2000s. From an important Paris gallery, France.

The original 'Bathing Venus' statue in bronze has been attributed to Giambologna (Giovanni da Bologna) (1529-1608), and was probably created for King Henry IV of France as a diplomatic gift from Ferdinando I de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany. This is a neoclassical interpretation of that Renaissance statue.