A RARE ANTIQUE SILVER "LA MEDAILLE DU CAMPO DEL FIORI" MEDALLION, BY FALIZE

This lot is offered without reserve.

The original "Medaille du Campo del Fiori" was discovered in March of 1897 in the Campo del Fiori flea market in Rome. Believed to have been created during the 1st century A.D., it was found by a man named Mr. Boye D'agen. The discovery of the medallion caused a stir and its religious importance was considered paramount. According to religious scholars, the portrait of Christ is nearly identical to the image on the Shroud of Turin. The beard, mustache, hair and even mouth are similarly depicted. Many agree that the engraver possibly knew Christ and sculpted from life. The reverse is inscribed in Hebrew with the words "The Messiah has reigned, he came in peace and became the light of man. He is alive". Scholars believe that the medallion would have been traded by early Christians to affirm their faith. Falize created replicas of the medallion in various sizes and metals, and this one, cast in silver, is the largest size. A similar example is currently housed in the Museé des Arts Déoratifs in Paris. THE PROPERTY OF A COLLECTOR

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A RARE ANTIQUE SILVER "LA MEDAILLE DU CAMPO DEL FIORI" MEDALLION, BY FALIZE
Of circular outline, depicting the profile of Jesus Christ and Hebrew script in relief, the reverse with Hebrew script of a similar design, joined to a polished silver bail and hoop, mounted in silver, circa 1897, in a Falize brown leather fitted box

Special notice

This lot is offered without reserve.

Lot Essay

cf. Katherine Purcell, "Falize: A Dynasty of Jewelers", Thames and Hudson, London, 1999, page 163

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