7
Carved, gilded, and polychromed wooden icon with gold background. Wallachia. 15th Century.
1/15
Description
Carved, gilded, and polychromed wooden icon with gold background. Wallachia. 15th Century.51 x 35 x 5 cmThis is the central panel of a travel triptych, which no longer retains its doors. The lower section features a carved eagle with wings spread in front of a cross, representing the coat of arms of Wallachia. This means that it is one of the earliest representations of the Wallachian coat of arms, documented on coins and rulers' seals from the 1300s to the 1500s. After 1500, the cross appears smaller and is situated in front, in the eagle's beak.This piece is unique and exceptional, a museum-quality artifact, as very few medieval objects bearing this 15th-century coat of arms are preserved in Romania today.The antiquity of this icon has been confirmed by the prestigious laboratory at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Vienna, directed by Professor Manfred Schreuner, in a report dated February 2022.Additionally, a detailed heraldic study of the coat of arms was conducted, tracing its evolution over time. It concludes that the eagle in front of the cross appears on Wallachian coins from the year 1300 to 1500, corresponding exactly with the depiction on our coat of arms.Wallachia was the country ruled by Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure who inspired Bram Stoker’s character, Count Dracula.The antiquity of this icon, established both scientifically and through historical facts, situates it in the period when Vlad the Impaler, known as Dracula, was the ruler of Wallachia, during three brief reigns culminating in his death in 1476.On either side of the coat of arms, we find Saint Constantine and Saint Helena, the spiritual patrons of Wallachia. It is worth noting that the lilies depicted on this icon and the figures of Saints Constantine and Helena also appear on Vlad the Impaler’s great seal.Another piece of information linking the panel to Vlad the Impaler is found in the book "Documents Relating to the Relations of Wallachia with Brașov and Hungary," printed in 1905 in Bucharest. Besides information on the evolution of the coats of arms of rulers and nobles, it also discusses the Wallachian coat of arms.It states that the rulers were the only people who used the Wallachian coat of arms and the only ones with the financial means to commission such a valuable work of art.Based on these historical and heraldic arguments, iconographic specialists concluded that this triptych could only have been owned by a ruler.The hypothesis that it belonged to the ruler whose seal coincides in many aspects with the emblem on our panel, that is, Vlad the Impaler, is highly plausible due to the following coincidences:Coat of arms: an eagle with open wings suggesting flight, a large cross representing Orthodox faith.Saints Constantine and Helena.Lilies, carved on our coat of arms on either side of the eagle.To properly appreciate the significance of the panel with this ancient coat of arms, it is worth mentioning that only three objects that bear the Wallachian coat of arms from the 1500-1600 period are known of. In these cases, the Wallachian coat of arms is represented by an eagle with outstretched wings, holding a large cross in its beak.The first example is the oldest printed book from Wallachia, dated 1508, "Macarius Epikh" (Octoihul lui Macarie), a liturgical book which features a coat of arms almost identical to the one carved on this triptych, the only difference being that the cross is in front of the eagle.The second example is a coat of arms carved in stone on a monastery wall from 1499, which consists of an eagle with outstretched wings and a large cross in front of it, joined to its beak.The third instance of the Wallachian coat of arms is found on the cannon segment of ruler Petru Cercel (1583-1585) and is identical to the previous two representations. After this period, the Wallachian coat of arms begins to adopt a classic pattern that does not change further. From the 17th century onward, few objects bear the Wallachian coat of arms, and it is found only on tombstones or rulers’ seals.This item has been imported and therefore has guaranteed export permission from the Ministry of Culture of Spain.
Auction Details
Shipping
T&Cs & Important Info
Ask seller a question
Carved, gilded, and polychromed wooden icon with gold background. Wallachia. 15th Century.51 x 35 x 5 cmThis is the central panel of a travel triptych, which no longer retains its doors. The lower section features a carved eagle with wings spread in front of a cross, representing the coat of arms of Wallachia. This means that it is one of the earliest representations of the Wallachian coat of arms, documented on coins and rulers' seals from the 1300s to the 1500s. After 1500, the cross appears smaller and is situated in front, in the eagle's beak.This piece is unique and exceptional, a museum-quality artifact, as very few medieval objects bearing this 15th-century coat of arms are preserved in Romania today.The antiquity of this icon has been confirmed by the prestigious laboratory at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Vienna, directed by Professor Manfred Schreuner, in a report dated February 2022.Additionally, a detailed heraldic study of the coat of arms was conducted, tracing its evolution over time. It concludes that the eagle in front of the cross appears on Wallachian coins from the year 1300 to 1500, corresponding exactly with the depiction on our coat of arms.Wallachia was the country ruled by Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure who inspired Bram Stoker’s character, Count Dracula.The antiquity of this icon, established both scientifically and through historical facts, situates it in the period when Vlad the Impaler, known as Dracula, was the ruler of Wallachia, during three brief reigns culminating in his death in 1476.On either side of the coat of arms, we find Saint Constantine and Saint Helena, the spiritual patrons of Wallachia. It is worth noting that the lilies depicted on this icon and the figures of Saints Constantine and Helena also appear on Vlad the Impaler’s great seal.Another piece of information linking the panel to Vlad the Impaler is found in the book "Documents Relating to the Relations of Wallachia with Brașov and Hungary," printed in 1905 in Bucharest. Besides information on the evolution of the coats of arms of rulers and nobles, it also discusses the Wallachian coat of arms.It states that the rulers were the only people who used the Wallachian coat of arms and the only ones with the financial means to commission such a valuable work of art.Based on these historical and heraldic arguments, iconographic specialists concluded that this triptych could only have been owned by a ruler.The hypothesis that it belonged to the ruler whose seal coincides in many aspects with the emblem on our panel, that is, Vlad the Impaler, is highly plausible due to the following coincidences:Coat of arms: an eagle with open wings suggesting flight, a large cross representing Orthodox faith.Saints Constantine and Helena.Lilies, carved on our coat of arms on either side of the eagle.To properly appreciate the significance of the panel with this ancient coat of arms, it is worth mentioning that only three objects that bear the Wallachian coat of arms from the 1500-1600 period are known of. In these cases, the Wallachian coat of arms is represented by an eagle with outstretched wings, holding a large cross in its beak.The first example is the oldest printed book from Wallachia, dated 1508, "Macarius Epikh" (Octoihul lui Macarie), a liturgical book which features a coat of arms almost identical to the one carved on this triptych, the only difference being that the cross is in front of the eagle.The second example is a coat of arms carved in stone on a monastery wall from 1499, which consists of an eagle with outstretched wings and a large cross in front of it, joined to its beak.The third instance of the Wallachian coat of arms is found on the cannon segment of ruler Petru Cercel (1583-1585) and is identical to the previous two representations. After this period, the Wallachian coat of arms begins to adopt a classic pattern that does not change further. From the 17th century onward, few objects bear the Wallachian coat of arms, and it is found only on tombstones or rulers’ seals.This item has been imported and therefore has guaranteed export permission from the Ministry of Culture of Spain.
Viceregal Masters. Allegories, legends and sanctity.
Sale Date(s)
Lots: 112
Venue Address
Conde de Salvatierra, 8
Barcelona
08006
Spain
General delivery information available from the auctioneer
The purchase price includes the delivery of the lots in the venue of the auction. Transporting to other destinations is at the own risk of the client. The customer must contact "LST", to give the corresponding instructions for such transporting. "LST" is not responsible for the packaging or any accident incurred during transportation.
Important Information
Zu Aufgeld und Mehrwertsteuer prüfen Sie bitte das jeweilige Los.
For premiums and taxes please refer to the particular lot.
Terms & Conditions
CONDITIONS OF THE AUCTION:
I. REGISTRATION. To bid in the room customers must register at the beginning, filling out a form and picking a number that will identify them during the auction. Customers may be required to register in bank references or other guarantee system and if they do not prove the solvency "LST" will not accept bids and award the auction.
II. WRITTEN BIDS. "LST" will accept written bids, which will be formalized in the form provided by the room until the day before the auction. In such auctions, the room will bid in name of the client until the maximum stated in the offer and always at the lowest possible price. If there are two or more bids for the same amount, the one placed first will have the priority. Written bids received in advance, will have priority on the day of the auction.
III. TELEPHONE BIDS. "LST" will allow telephone bids, if interested people contact "LST" days before the auction providing personal data, ID card and the phone number which will be used by the staff of "LST" to call at the time of the auction. The buyer, within all the legal rights is making an offer for the asking price, when applies for telephone bid. "LST" will not take responsibility for any technical defects beyond its control, which may prevent to contact successfully the bidder during the auction.
IV. AUCTIONEER. The auction will be conducted by an auctioneer, director of the auction will be judge and arbitrator of it with full authority in its development, will award the lots to the highest bidder and is able to settle any controversy concerning lots sale, reject bids, divide lots or group them and remover objects from the room. Will be able to, if it is deemed suitable, not accept bids on the auction. His decision will be unappealable.
V. SALE OF LOTS. The lots are awarded to the highest bidder. Once the auctioneer blows the hammer, the buyer becomes responsible of the lot purchased, exempting "LST" of liability to for any damage and / or accidents that may occur. No refunds of lots.
VI. STARTING PRICE. The amount shown in the catalogue as the starting price for each lot will be, as a rule, the minimum selling price, except for exceptional cases where a reservation may be agreed upon with the seller or it set discretionary by the room.
VII. SCALE OF BIDS. The bids are set according to the following scale:
From 50.-€ to 200.-€…………………………………………..at 10.-€
From 200.-€ to 500.-€…………………………………… …25 in 25.-€
From 500.-€ to 1.000.-€………………………………..…..….50 in 50.-€
From 1.000.-€ to 2.000.-€………………………………..…100 in 100.-€
From 2.000.-€ to 5.000.-€……………………………….….250 in 250.-€
From 5.000.-€ to 10.000.-€…………………………………500 in 500.-€
From 10.000.-€ to 20.000.-€……………………………1.000 in 1.000.-€
From 20.000.-€ to 50.000.-€……………………………2.500 in 2.500.-€
From 50.000.-€ to 100.000.-€…………………………..5.000 in 5.000.-€
From 100.000.-€ to 100.000.-€………………………10.000 in 10.000.-€
From 200.000.-€ to 200.000.-€………………………25.000 in 25.000.-€
From 500.000.-€ to 500.000.-€………………………50.000 in 50.000.-€
VIII. RIGHT OF ADMISION. "LST" reserves the right to admission to the auction room and to reject, at its judgment, any purchase order, from clients whose solvency is not duly proved as well as not to sale auctions.
IX. SALE PRICES. The successful bidder of one or more lots must pay "LST" the final sale price achieves at auction, plus the 24,5 % plus 21% VAT on the commission, at total 29,64 % on Hammer Price.
X. CATALOG DATA. The catalogue data are obtained in order to careful research and advice, however, any responsibility is afforded about its accuracy. The lots will be auctioned in the state in which they are, not accepting any claims in restorations, breakage, damage, imperfections and, even description or numbering mistakes in the catalogue, in case of it, being the burden of the buyers to make sure before the auction that the description matches with their personal opinion about respective lot. The exhibition of the lots is intended to allow a perfect review and study of them.
XI. PAYMENT AND REMOVAL OF LOTS. Payment and removal of the lots will be held no later than five days following the auction. After this period expire without having the buyer removed the lot or lots purchases, it will accrue an expense of custody of 6 euros per day on each lot.
15 days after the auction without having the buyer paid and removes the sold lots, "LST" will inform the seller and there will begin judicial proceeding in order to obtain payment. The delay in payment by the purchaser of his/her sold lots will carry an interest increase at a rate of 1,5% per month.
XII. DELIVERY OF LOTS. The purchase price includes the delivery of the lots in the venue of the auction. Transporting to other destinations is at the own risk of the client. The customer must contact "LST", to give the corresponding instructions for such transporting. "LST" is not responsible for the packaging or any accident incurred during transportation.
XIII. RIGHT OF FIRT REFUSAL AND REPURCHASE. "LST" in order to article 38 of "Ley 16/1985 de 25 Junio del Patrimonio Histórico Español" (BOE. 155 June 29, 1985), will notify in advance to the Ministry of Culture, the content of their catalogues. Concerning the lots subject to the legislation referred to in the preceding paragraph, the Administration may exercise the rights of first refusal and repurchase according to the law. "LST" will watch over the protection of Artistic, Historical and Bibliographical Heritage of Spain. For customers out of European Community, a tax for export is required by the Administration.
XIV. VALUE ADDED TAX (I.V.A). This tax will be accrued on commissions of "LST" for buyers, using the rates prevailing on the date of the auction.
XV. DATA PROTECTION. In order to the "Ley 15/1999 de 13 de Diciembre, de Protección de Datos de Carácter Personal", the client authorize "LST", the inclusion of their data in a customer file, and for the promotion by "LST" of the objects at all times the rights of access, rectification or deletion of personal data by sending the appropriate request to the following address: LA SUITE SUBASTAS, C/ Conde Salvatierra, 8, 08006. Barcelona.
XVI. EXPRESS LEGAL JURISDICTION. These Conditions are governed by and interpreted in accordance with the rules of Spanish law. The mere act of participating in the auction as seller, buyer or bidder, implies acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
Sales operations are understood to be held at the registered office of "LST", C/ Conde de Salvatierra, 8, 08006. Any dispute shall be taken to the competent courts of Barcelona, expressly waiving any other jurisdiction, in accordance with Article 55 of the "Ley de Enjuiciamiento Civil".
