"Portable Altar of the Epiphany". Carved, polychromed and gilded wood and alabaster. Castile. Second quarter of the 16th century.Measurements: Closed: 32 x 28 x 7.5 cm.; open: 32 x 38.5 x 7.5 cm.; alabaster: 15.5 x 10.5 cm.; doors: 24 x 9.5 cm each.This small portable altar is an exquisite Renaissance piece from the mid-16th century in which polychromed wood and alabaster, sculpture and painting blend harmoniously. The little altar is actually a triptych: when it is closed, it shows two delicate grisaille paintings on its doors, as is usual in this type of piece; When opened, those same sections display two reliefs of saints while the central piece is made up of a very interesting alabaster sculpture of the Epiphany or Adoration of the Magi, which could be the work of a Mechelen workshop. The framework that contains all these artistic elements is very simple, without any ornament or decoration apart from the two elegant balustraded columns that flank the altar and frame the double painting that is shown when it is closed. This type of small or larger altars corresponds to a clear devotional typology which was made to satisfy the need of certain people with sufficient purchasing power to own a piece of this kind. It would have been placed in a small chapel or oratory in their home. Beginning with the paintings on the exterior, which, as we have already pointed out, are grisaille, we can see that a beardless saint has been portrayed on each of the doors within a micro-architecture consisting of a niche with a semicircular finish that serves to give the sensation of depth to the scene and corporeality to the saints. Between both niches, in the upper part, there seems to be a kind of oculus or clypeus. On the left door there is a bishop saint dressed in the pontifical robes associated to his status, mitre and crosier, while under his left armpit he holds a closed book. With his right hand he seems to be holding a ribbon. On the right door is a saint who is the complete opposite of his companion, since if he seems to have decided to renounce the role of bishop, denoted by the staff and mitre which appear lying on the ground. He wears a tunic and a kind of cap that hides his ears. Both saints have been painted in detail, showing small, angular facial features and pensive countenances. The hands, which are very delicate, are expressive and the fingers appear clenched. When the doors are opened we find the central motif of the triptych altar, a delicate alabaster relief of the Epiphany that is carved in different gradations to try to give depth to the scene. This is also helped by the bas-relief architecture in the background that consists of pillars that support semicircular arches, partly covered by a canopy tied with a bow. This type of alabaster sculpture enjoyed great popularity during the 16th century. As was customary even in the 16th century, Saint Joseph has been portrayed as an old man slightly removed from the main scene, so much so that a very undefined bas-relief has also been used for him. The central group is carved in high relief with some parts completely free-standing. It is made up of the Virgin Mary seated with the Child, with a classicist appearance reminiscent of Roman matrons, and before them are the three Wise Men: Melchior, with a bearded appearance, bending down to offer Jesus the gold while standing behind him, young and beardless Caspar and Balthasar wait to offer the incense and myrrh. The garments are luxurious and feature shallow but gentle, curved folds. Balthasar's attire is especially noteworthy since the author has endowed him with a turban, instead of a crown, as well as some kind of animal heads on his shoulders and knees. Finally, the inner part of the doors shows two saints who held the status of queens, as indicated by the fact that their heads are crowned. As was the case with the saints on the outside, the saints are also found inside micro-architecture, although on this occasion the niches are topped by shells, a typically Renaissance detail. Both wear luxurious dresses that are very tight on the torso, giving them a remarkable elegance, to which the postures in which they have been conceived also contribute. The saint on the left door, who carries an open book in her left hand, is Saint Catherine of Alexandria, as indicated by the presence of her most characteristic attributes: the sword and the spiked wheel, instruments of her successive martyrdom, and the body of a defeated man at her feet who must be the Emperor Maxentius, her persecutor. On the other door on the right we find another saint with the same formal characteristics, although her clothing has changed somewhat. In her left hand she carries a closed book while in her left she holds an a bow and arrow. We do not know who it may be, perhaps due to the rarity of these attributes it may be a saint of local or regional devotion which, in turn, would indicate the place for which this precious portable altar was carved. As a curiosity, on the back of the altarpiece there are a series of inscriptions, some illegible and others legible, such as the one that says ““S.DonGregorio” and “Lopez”, which perhaps alludes to the owner for whom this exquisite piece was made.We would like to thank Mr. Javier Baladrón, PhD in Art History, for identifying and cataloguing this piece.
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BROCHE DIAMANTSFormant un nœud stylisé, sertie au centre d'un diamant de taille ancienne, entouré d'un pavage de diamants de taille brillant et de taille ancienne sur une monture ajourée, poinçon français d'occasion pour l'or 18K (750°/00), longueur : 5.60 cm, poids brut 11.42 g.Footnotes:DIAMOND BROOCHDesigned as a stylised bow, set to the center with an old-brilliant-cut diamond, highlighted by pierced gold work and brillant and old-brilliant-cut diamonds, french assay mark for 18 carat gold, length : 5.60 cm, gross weight 11.42 grams.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Collection of Antique Silver Items. Includes An Articulated Fish Charm / Pendant with Deep Green Eyes, Approx 6 cms In Length, Silver and Marcasite Brooch In the Form of a Bow, A Silver Ballerina Brooch of Small Proportions, A Silver Apple Charm + 1 Novelty Spider Brooch with Coloured Stone to Body ( not silver ). ( 5 ) Items In Total.
A 19th century mahogany bow fronted chest of drawers with boxwood stringing. With two short and two long drawers on bracket feet, height 88cm width 106.5cm depth 52cmThe top has general wear consummate with age and usage loss to inlay, one back foot with lose and in need of some attention, the drawers operate smoothly, chips and losses to veneers between the two top drawers the dividing joint between the drawers has an old repair which has become loose. Image of the top on Lay's website.
A 19th century mahogany bow fronted chest of drawers. With two short and three long drawers on splayed bracket feet, height 104cm width 103cm depth 52cm.Losses to cock beading, losses to a handle knob, small splits/cracks, drawers operate relatively smoothly, water staining, heavy wear throughout.
An early 20th century English cello, the interior bearing paper label detailed 'J.W. Owen Maker, Leeds', indistinctly dated '1908', length of back excluding button 76.4cm, together with a silver mounted bow, within a hard case. Note: a non-transferrable ivory exemption certificate has been granted for the sale of this item.Buyer’s Premium 29.4% (including VAT @ 20%) of the hammer price. Lots purchased online via the-saleroom.com will attract an additional premium of 6% (including VAT @ 20%) of the hammer price.
Follower of Jan Lievens (Dutch, 1607 - 1674)Portrait of an elderly bearded gentleman in a green coat with fur collarOil on panelUnsigned26 cms x 19 cms (panel)36 cms x 29 cms (gilt framed)Jan Lievens was a Dutch Golden Age painter who was associated with his close contemporary Rembrandt, a year older, in the early parts of their careers. They shared a birthplace in Leiden, training with Pieter Lastman in Amsterdam, where they shared a studio for about five years until 1631.Condition Report: Good antique oak panel with slight bow.
An early 19th century bow-fronted satinwood toilet mirror: the rectangular plate flanked by ebony-strung vertical supports terminating in neoclassical-style urns, the base with harebell swags and bows above a central bow-fronted drawer flanked by two further, smaller drawers shaped, raised on shaped bracket feet (57 x 22.5 x 64 cm)
A late 18th century yew wood Windsor chair: pierced splat and yew wood bow above an elm saddle-shaped seat, cabriole front legs united by a crinoline stretcherLot 599There is old splitting to the cabriole legs, historic woodworm to the splat and seat, front left of seat, some splitting to arms, middle of pierced splat etc. Feels reasonably steady, dark parts and light parts as expected. The bow has been restrengthened. Good looking chair but not without faults that could, in the Auctioneer’s opinion, be rectified. Seat height 42cm, width of arms 52cm, height of back 104cm.
An Art Deco style and period walnut display case: the single central outset mirror-backed glazed door enclosing glass shelves and above two further doors below, and flanked by slightly set back bow-fronted shelves with two further tall vertical bow-fronted doors, raised on plinth style base (137.5cm wide x 35.5cm deepest x 153cm high)
An unusual mid 18th century bow-fronted hanging oak corner cupboard: with original blacksmith made iron H-form hinges and two bow-fronted doors, the right-hand door lockable from the inside with a swivel bar, the left-hand door with quatrefoil-shaped brass escutcheon (55cm wide x 39.5cm deep x 74.5cm high)
A collection of three pieces of 18th century porcelain comprisingan English Bow 'blanc de chine' coffee can with raised prunus decoration in the Chinese taste, c 1752 (6.4 cm) (A/F - hairline cracks and raised prunus edges rubbed);a Dr Wall period Worcester 'Imari' prunus pattern tea bowl and saucer c 1765 - 1775, of fluted form with under glaze blue Worcester fret mark (saucer 12 cm in diameter) (saucer crack); a Chelsea two-handled cup and cover with enamel moulded rose finial and floral sprays with red anchor mark to base, c 1750 (16 cm high) (A/F - cup body damaged)
A good and large pair of 19th century ormolu wall appliques in Louis XVI style to designs by Henry Dasson (1825-1896): the neo classical style ribbon tied in a bow flanked by two arms with foliate carved drip pans with stiff leaves, leading to reeded supports locating into acanthus, the lower tapering sections similarly well cast and decorated to the front with a concentric circular shield design above foliate terminals, one applique with small oval stamp H ? to top of ribbons at middle (50cm high)
A George III period bow-fronted mahogany stick barometer by 'Keohan (East Smithfield, London)': the register dial signed and above a silvered thermometer (97cm high)NB: POSSIBLE MERCURY LEAK - HANDLE WITH CARE!Condition Report: Mercury present but not showing in tube evidence of possible minor leakage. Mercury in thermometer.
A collection of three early 20th century diamond and gold rings, comprising an 18ct gold bow ring, size M1/2, an 18ct gold five stone ring, size L (thinning shank) and a three stone 9ct gold ring, (thinning shank) combined total gross weight approx 6gms Further details: good stones present, wear and tear commensurate with age thinning shanks
A collection of vintage clothing to include an Yves Saint Laurent (variation) coral skirt suit, comprising a double breasted jacket with matching below knee pencil skirt French size 36, (cotton, rayon viscose) a Thierry Mugler pink silk bandeau mini dress with overlaid black velvet cross over trim, with bow to reverse, size 38 (some small marks) a nude tone bustier, size 38, a Lou Barok Paris boucle jacket and matching skirt, multi colour yarns on cream ground, comprising a mini dress with scoop neck with slip pockets with gilt and cream buttons, full length zip closure to reverse, French size T 2, along with a matching cropped jacket also button details, French size T1, wool with silk lining, a Gianni Versace red one shoulder long line evening dress, size 4 (some pulls) a matching cream crop top and skirt set by Moschino uk size 8, a black Herve Leger Couture black halter neck bandage dress French size M, together with a navy blue Barbara Bui Paris, belted shift dress, wool, French size 36, a pair of black Moschino Couture trousers, uk size 8, Amanda Wakeley London blue pinstripe min bandeau dress, size 6/8, a silk beaded Aftershock mini shirt and a Ted Baker 1950's style rose print dress with underskirt, and a black wide leather belt with jewelled buckle 9one gem detached) (1 box) further details: wear and tear, some marks and pulls commensurate with wear
A collection of designer shoes to include a pair of Prada high heel black leather Mary Jane', size 39.5, Salvatore Ferragamo classic low heel navy bow pump, 6?, along with another black pair with gilt snaffle chain, pair of Gina gold tone leather high heel, size 6, an Albano high heel, white leather sandal with crystal encrusted straps, size 39, Banned high heel coral patent sling backs, size 6, a pair of Du Barry leather duck egg blue wooden heel sling backs, size 40, Colette cream patent leather heeled sandals, size 39, a pair of green canvas and leather low heel court shoes, size 39 and a pair of yellow leather Davella mules, size 5 most in original boxes (1 box)Further details: wear and tear commensurate with age
A collection of Victorian brooches to include a citrine five stone brooch unmarked possibly 9ct gold, along with a garnet set rose gold brooch, unmarked assessed as 9ct gold, a later bow top brooch suspending an oval malachite drop, unmarked assessed as 9ct gold, a small Georgian mourning brooch, unmarked yellow metal, together with five gilt metal brooches, pate and agate set, including an early Victorian mourning brooch set with agate, inscribed to reverse 1849 (1 bag) Further details: wear and tear commensurate with age, replacement pins to come
A collection of seven Edwardian gold bar brooches, to include a six 9ct gold brooches, set with various stones including turquoise, peridot, pearl, amethyst and paste, two with replacement base pins, combined total gross approx weight 8.2gms, along with a 15ct gold and peridot brooch (base pin and some nibbles to facet edges) and an unmarked pearl and garnet bow top stock pin p9ossibly 15ct gold, combined total gross weight approx 4.3gms Further details: wear and tear, abrasions commensurate with age
A collection of early 20th century gold brooches, to include an diamond and pearl 18ct gold crescent moon and star brooch, size approx 23mm, later base pin, total gross weight approx 4.3gms, a four 9ct gold brooches, including two tone foliate brooch, horse shoe and crop, bow etc some with denting later base pins, combined weight approx 12gms together with a pearl set 9ct gold brooch, 9ct gold topped fox head stick pin, 9ct gold pearl set stick pin, unmarked yellow metal brooch with horse shoe details probably 9ct gold weight approx 6.4gms and an unmarked pearl set horse shoe bar brooch possibly 15ct gold total gross weight approx 2.8gms with later lower carat gold pin with vintage boxes (1 bag)Further details: 18ct gold and pearl brooch good all stones present, wear and tear to other items commensurate with age
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117861 item(s)/page