Stuart Period Bronze Hands Holding Heart Ring

Off-white ground with black overprinted text and spot yellow block; 'Melody Maker' advertising poster; footnote 'Printed and issued by Odhams Press, Long Acre, London WC2'. 22 grams, 76.2 x 50.6 cm

30 x 20 in.

Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Harwich, UK, collector.

Gerry Mulligan was an important 20th century composer, arranger, saxophonist and conductor, who played a leading role in the development of jazz and contemporary music. The poster advertises a serialised commentary on the contemporary music scene which appeared in 'Melody Maker'. The footnote reference is to the Odhams publishing venture which folded in 1968.

Representing Saint Nicholas of Myra with a book in his left hand and making the gesture of blessing with his right, dressed as a bishop with sticharion, covered by omophorion, and surmounted by an epitrachelion embroidered with crosses; the saint flanked by Jesus and Virgin Mary, Christ holding the gospel, Mary the bishop’s epitrachelion; Cyrillic inscriptions 'Saint Nikolaos the Wonderworker (СВЯТЫЙ НИКОЛА ЧУДОТВОРЕЦ), Iesus Christos (ΙΣ ΧC) and Mother of God (ΜΡ ΘΥ)' on the enamelled background. 348 grams, 10.7 cm



Acquired 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.

The icon features meticulous craftsmanship typical of Orthodox iconography. The enamel colours, despite the passage of time, retain their vibrant intensity, highlighting the key elements of the depicted images. The refined details and use of enamel give depth and luminosity to the icon, making it a precious example of the Russian Orthodox tradition.

Comprising: a two-tone oval glass intaglio showing a classical fighting scene; an impression of an intaglio showing a scene after a battle at sea with men in water and ships with broken masts. 17.76 grams total, 24-35 mm



Acquired on the European art market.