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LOT 0336
Stuart Period Gold Renaissance Memento Mori Signet Ring with C.L. and Skull
17TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (15.65 grams, 27.14 mm overall, 22.68 mm internal diameter (approximate size British X, USA 11 1/2, Europe 26.29, Japan 25)).
A substantial gold signet ring composed of a lentoid-section hoop, expanding capital style shaped shoulders and irregular octagonal bezel engraved with a skull, two flowers below separating the reversed initials in capitals: 'CL', framed by a beaded border.
ProvenanceAcquired in the 1980s.
Property of a London gentleman.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11664-197587.
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 197587, for a very similar ring dated c.1600 A.D.; cf. The V&A Museum, accession numbers M.272-1962, M.378-1927 and M.273-1962, for broadly comparable examples.
FootnotesSignet rings were jewellery items serving practical functions, and were pressed into hot wax to seal letters and packets. Personal seals or secreta acted as a legal safeguard, since they were used to witness wills, loans, commercial, personal and other documents. Such rings were often engraved with a coat of arms, initials, merchant's mark or some other personal symbol. Painted portraits of this period portray the wearer with the signet ring on the thumb or forefinger, allowing for practical use. Skulls on rings were potent symbols of mortality. 'Memento mori' or 'remember that you must die' imagery served as a reminder to the Christian of the need to keep their soul in good order for the final judgment.
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 0336
Stuart Period Gold Renaissance Memento Mori Signet Ring with C.L. and Skull
Sold for (Inc. bp): £19,500
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Roman Style Artefact Group
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
A mixed group of ancient Roman style artefacts comprising: a sestertius of Antoninus Pius, probably a replica; a cameo gemstone displaying a female bust on profile left; a discoid cameo stone displaying a winged cherub; a gold ring composed of a double-loop band with openwork centre, discoid bezel decorated with polychrome glass beads mounted around a central gold foliate sheet. 37 grams total, 19-30 mm
Family collection formed before 1980. Ex property of a Richmond gentleman. -
Greek Saint Paraskevi Icon
17th century A.D.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
A tempera on wood icon depicting Saint Paraskevi of Rome holding a gold cross in her right hand, dressed in a light blue chiton and a red maphorion embroidered with stars and worn over a light blue veil, the gilt halo with red spot decoration; mounted on a later frame. 990 grams, 35.3 x 24.5 cm
Property of a London lady, part of her family's collection.
Saint Paraskevi is considered in the Orthodox world as the protector of sick people. Religious icon images of the saint were considered to hold powers to help in healing from various ailments, keeping the family well, and protecting against evil intentions. There was an ancient custom in the Orthodox world of bringing fruit and vegetables to the church to sanctify them on the day of Saint Paraskevi and keep them in the house as a talisman. -
Post Medieval Statue of Saint Nicholas
16th-17th century A.D. or laterEstimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
A ceramic statue of St Nicholas standing in episcopal attire with stole and pallium, pectoral cross and mitre; his hands spread in a benevolent gesture, head turned slightly downwards; rosette and other detailing to the robes and headgear; integral rectangular base; repaired. 1.10 m high
English private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11675-199817.
