Diptych with Scenes from the Life of Christ, circa 1340-1370.
Estimate £100,000-200,000
Among the largest examples of its kind, this ivory diptych displays a particularly high level of detail and depth of carving. It was formerly in the prestigious Hohenzollern collection.
The Adoration of the Shepherds, 1527.
Estimate £150,000–200,000
This important Southern Netherlandish Nativity was likely intended for private devotion and is unique in bearing the date of its execution – 1527.
Gregorio di Lorenzo, Relief with the Virgin and Child, circa 1460-1470.
Estimate £100,000-150,000
This beautiful Renaissance relief epitomises the subtle refinement of Florentine sculptor Gregorio di Lorenzo, the so-called ‘Master of the Marble Madonnas’.
A Venetian maiolica jar, circa 1560-70, workshop of Domenego da Venezia.
Estimate £30,000-50,000
Part of an exceptional private collection of maiolica, this sumptuously decorated jar is a masterwork by Domenego da Venezia and his Venetian atelier.
16th century Games Board.
Estimate £40,000-60,000
Intricate gaming boards of the present type were the work of Islamic-influenced artists in Southern Spain; only few examples, including this exquisite survival, are known.
After a model attributed to Petro Tacca, Hercules supporting the heavens.
Estimate £30,000-50,000
This impressive bronze is a fine cast of an ambitious model by the Florentine sculptor Pietro Tacca, whose popularity survived into the 18th century.
Attributed to Giovanni Ambrogio Miseroni, High Relief Cameo with a Captive, circa 1600.
Estimate £20,000-£30,000
Among a fine offering of old jewels is this beautifully carved high relief cameo of a Captive, which is attributed to Giovanni Ambrogio Miseroni, a member of the prestigious family of Renaissance hardstone carvers.
Attributed to Prospero Spani, called Il Clemente, Bust of Alfonso Il d’Este, Duke of Ferrara (1533-1597).
Estimate £50,000-70,000
This imposing bust is an exciting rediscovery. It almost certainly portrays Alfonso II d’Este, Duke of Ferrara (1533-1597), and can be attributed to the important Emilian Mannerist sculptor Prospero Spani (1516-1584), who was employed by the Este family.
Personification of Death with an hourglass, circa 1670.
Estimate £20,000-30,000
Memento mori motifs, such as this captivating 17th-century boxwood figure of Death, have held a fascination since the Renaissance. A highlight from a Private European Kunstkammer offered in this sale and Treasures (5 July).
Cornelis Bellekin, Shell with the triumph of Neptune and Amphitrite.
Estimate £40,000-60,000
This beautiful engraved shell is signed by one of the foremost carvers in this medium, Cornelis Bellekin, who catered for a demand for exotic and rare materials in 17th-century Amsterdam.
The Old Master Sculpture & Works of Art sale in London on 6 July presents a wide range of top-quality works from the Middle Ages to the early 19th century. It is led by a group of Haute Epoque sculpture from a private Flemish collection, featuring a rare early 16th-century walnut Adoration of the Shepherds. Further highlights include an exceptional 14th-century ivory Diptych, and an important private collection of memento mori objects. Click ahead to view these and more highlights from the sale.
Old Master Sculpture & Works of Art
London | 6 July 2017