- 9
French, Limoges, 13th century
Estimate
25,000 - 30,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Crosier head with palmette-fleur
- gilt and champlevé enamelled copper, on a red velvet covered wood stand
- French, Limoges, 13th century
Provenance
Mr. J.F. Hutton, Manchester;
his sale, Christie's London, 16 July 1890, lot 21;
purchased by General Pitt-Rivers for the Pitt-Rivers Museum, Farnham, Dorset;
Louis C. G. Clarke, Cambridge, by 1941;
Mrs. France Crosthwaite;
her sale, Sotheby's London, 17 May 1963, lot 3;
Sotheby's London, 7 December 2010, lot 6
his sale, Christie's London, 16 July 1890, lot 21;
purchased by General Pitt-Rivers for the Pitt-Rivers Museum, Farnham, Dorset;
Louis C. G. Clarke, Cambridge, by 1941;
Mrs. France Crosthwaite;
her sale, Sotheby's London, 17 May 1963, lot 3;
Sotheby's London, 7 December 2010, lot 6
Literature
T.D. Kendrick, 'An enamelled Crosier head in the Pitt-Rivers Museum at Farnham-Dorset', The Antiquaries Journal, October 1935, pp. 452-6;
J.J. Marquet de Vasselot, Les Crosses Limousines du XIIIe siècle, Paris, 1941, pp. 205-6, no. 27
J.J. Marquet de Vasselot, Les Crosses Limousines du XIIIe siècle, Paris, 1941, pp. 205-6, no. 27
Condition
There is wear to the enamelling and gilding throughout, with several losses to the enamel, in particular to the upper part of the stem and the outer layer of the scroll. There is a restored break on the stem which has also led to parting of the two halves of the metal up to the top. There is some lead fill and restoration around the break. Two rivets, one at the top of the crozier and one behind the upper petal of the central flower, are slightly out of place. Otherwise the condition is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age.
A metal rod has been inserted into the underside for mounting. There is some general wear and dirt to the fabric on the base, including remnants of a paper label.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
The palmette-de-fleur on this enamelled crosier identifies it as part of a group which first appeared circa 1200, and was popular particularly at the beginning of the thirteenth century. Compare to a crosier currently in the Musée de Cluny (inv. no. Cl. 2957).
RELATED LITERATURE
M.-M. Gauthier, Emaux du Moyen Age, Fribourg, 1972, no. 67