Catalan processional cross, circa 1380.  Photo Bernard De Leye

Silver and silver gilt. H. 45.2 x W. 36.5 cm

This rare model of Latin cross is typical of Catalan silverwork dating from the second half of the 14th century. Its characteristics are the square at the centre of the cross and the arms with quatrefoil medallions and fleur-de-lis tips. The symbols of the evangelists, each bearing a scroll, can be found on the reverse sides of the quatrefoils: the eagle of St John (SUAN) is positioned on top, the lion of St Mark (MARCH) beneath, the angel of St Matthew (MATH) on the left and the winged bull of St Luke (LUCH) on the right. The form of the ‘LUCH’ for St Luke confirms the Catalan attribution. The arms of the cross are made of fine engraved and chased silver and silver-gilt plates on a wooden frame. They are characterised by a foliated pattern

Silver-gilt tankard. Strasbourg, 1580. Silversmith Paulus Graseck. Marks of the Town of Strasbourg, post 1567. Photo Bernard De Leye

Splendidly chased with a Renaissance pattern made up of garlands and an incised leather motif around the grotesque ornamentation, foliage and fruit. The spout for sucking liquid through is very unusual. H. 18.2 x Ø of base 12.7 cm. Weight: 652 gr

This piece bears the coat of arms of allegiance between Blarer von Wartensee & Weber and Saler & Byss.

Set of three castors and two mustard pots. Brussels, 1749-1753. Silversmith Henricus de Potter. Photo Bernard De Leye

These five pieces form an exceptional set. The silversmith probably made them at the same time, as the engraving of each piece is almost identical. The castors measure respectively: H. 20 x Ø of base 6,8 cm. Weight 350 gr; H. 20 x Ø of base 7 cm. Weight 345 gr; H. 20 x Ø of base 7 cm. Weight
326 gr. The dimensions of the mustard pots are: H. 20 x Ø of base 6,8 cm. Weight 358 gr; H. 20 x Ø of base 6,8 cm. Weight 311 gr.

Bernard De Leye. Stand N°102. BRAFA'12 . Du 21 au 29 janvier 2012, à Tour & Taxis.

Dans la profession depuis 1977, Bernard De Leye est spécialisé en orfèvrerie belge et européenne des XVI, XVIIe, XVIIIe et XIXe siècles. Actif dans plusieurs associations, il a été en 2002 président de la Chambre Belge des Experts en Œuvres d’Art et en devient vice-président et président honoraire en 2006. Il est devenu président de la ‘Brussels Antiques & Fine Arts Fair (BRAFA)' en 2009, après avoir travaillé comme vice-président de cette foire durant sept ans. Il participe régulièrement à plusieurs grandes foires internationales comme la Biennale de Paris, la Biennale de Monaco, la World Fine Art Fair de Moscou et la Fine Jewellery Art Fair de Shanghaï. Il a été nommé 'Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres' en France en 2006.

Avenue Hamoir 41.  B-1180  Brussels. Belgique. T +32 (0)2 514 34 77 - M +32 (0)475 46 54 41 - F +32 (0)2 511 96 69 - www.orfevrerie.be - bernard.de.leye@skynet.be