View full screen - View 1 of Lot 25. Ottoman Greek, probably Mount Athos, 17th/ early 18th century | Medallion with the Virgin and Child and Saints.

Ottoman Greek, probably Mount Athos, 17th/ early 18th century | Medallion with the Virgin and Child and Saints

Lot Closed

July 6, 02:25 PM GMT

Estimate

3,000 - 5,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

Ottoman Greek, probably Mount Athos, 17th/ early 18th century

Medallion with the Virgin and Child and Saints


horn, in a silver mount

inscribed in Greek

11.5cm., 4½in.

The refinement of carving evident in this medallion, whose compositions are based on Byzantine models, is characteristic of the the highly skilled craftsmanship for which Mount Athos in northern Greece was famous. The horn from which items such as this - called enkolpia - were carved was thought to have magical properties in East-Christian worship.