Lot 50
  • 50

RUBY AND DIAMOND BROOCH, SECOND HALF OF THE 18TH CENTURY

Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description

Modelled as the Sacred Heart, set with cushion-shaped and rose diamonds and variously-cut rubies, all in closed settings, some rubies on crown of thorns deficient.

Provenance

Formerly in the collection of Dame Joan Evans (1893-1977), a British historian specialising in medieval art and the history of jewellery. She published several works on English and French jewellery, as well as building her own collection, ranging in date from the Middle Ages to the early 19th century. In 1975 she donated her entire collection of more than 800 jewels to the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Condition

Measures approximately 31 x 17mm. Rubies with some wear and one with small cavity. Some rubies on crown of thorns deficient. Gross weight approximately 7.3 grams. Overall condition good.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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 refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones.
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 Sacred Heart is one of the most familiar Catholic devotional images, representing the compassion of the heart of Christ towards humanity. The crown of thorns and cross allude to the crucifixion, the flames the transformative power of divine love and the drops to the blood and tears of Christ.

The present owner of this brooch works on the production of ‘Game of Thrones’, the enormously successful television adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s fantasy novel series ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’. The world of Westeros, in which the series is set, draws strong inspiration from medieval Europe, and the religious iconography of this brooch in particular is echoed in the flaming heart adopted by Stannis Baratheon, a one of the claimants to the throne, as the symbol of his new monotheistic deity, ‘the Lord of Light’.