T his July’s edition of Old Master Sculpture & Early Jewels presents a diverse selection of three-dimensional art from the Middle Ages to the Age of Enlightenment. The sale’s early section is led by important stained glass from distinguished provenances and a beautifully preserved Limoges châsse. Superb examples of Baroque sculpture, including a Crying Putto attributed to Ignaz Günther and a marble Bust of a Man attributed to Filippo Parodi, are presented alongside refined neoclassical marbles from British private collections. The sale concludes with a sumptuous selection of engraved gems and early jewellery.
The sale is particularly rich in works of art from the Middle Ages, led by an important group of stained glass panels reputedly from the Saxon Abbey of Wechselburg (lots 208 and 209). Medieval treasures formerly in the collection of John and Gertrude Hunt include a beautiful stained glass panel originating from Canterbury cathedral (lot 201) and an intriguing portable altar (lot 202). The auction is further distinguished by a precious Limoges châsse à poupées (lot 204), and a pair of important Tudor candlesticks (lot 213).
The art of gem engraving has been appreciated since antiquity. This July’s auction includes several beautiful cameos and intaglios, including an important cameo of Charles the Bald by William Brown (lot 269) and a refined cameo of Alexander the Great by Antonio Angelo Amastini (lot 287).
The Kinnaird portraits provide an snapshot into the history of British politics in the Regency period. The busts are all likely to have been acquired by the 8th Lord Kinnaird, who was a Whig politician and significant art collector. The group includes portraits of some of the major political figures of the day from the circle of Charles James Fox, perhaps the most famous British politician never to have held the premiership. As well as Fox himself, the group includes portraits of the 5th Duke of Bedford and the Irish statesman Henry Grattan who fought against union with Britain, founding a rival parliament in Dublin.
