A Collection of Historical Medals - The Property of a European Collector

Constantine the Great, a large cast lead medal, unsigned, Parisian School and believed the work of the Limbourg brothers, Emperor on horseback right, reverse females representing the Jewish and Christian faiths seated either side of a tree depicting the fountain of life, Cross above, 94mm (Armand II, 8/5; Kress 524; Jones, Art of the Medal 18; cf. Coll. Weiss 58). An old cast, pierced at top, fine and rare (£100-200)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Historical Medals - The Property of a European Collector.

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The originals, executed c.1400, are among the earliest ‘prototypes’ for medals as a commemorative art form. The reverse composition is based on St Paul’s allegorical identification of Hagar, who bore Abraham’s love child, with the Jewish faith; and Sarah, wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac, with the Christian faith