Lot 3 , After Desiderio da Settignano (1429-1464), an early 20th century rectangular marble relief plaque of Flavia Julia Helena, or Saint Helena

After Desiderio da Settignano (1429-1464), an early 20th century rectangular marble relief plaque of Flavia Julia Helena, or Saint Helena, 60 x 40cm
£400-600
The National Trust holds a similar plaque in the collection at Gunby Hall Estate, Lincolnshire, NT 637922.
Helena (c.246-330AD), later known as Flavia Julia Helena Augusta, mother of Constantine the Great, was credited after her death with having discovered the fragments of the Cross and the tomb in which Jesus was buried at Golgotha. Helena was born at Drepanum in Bithynia, later renamed after her Helenpolis, about the year 250.

Condition:
Small dirt marks and light weathering, chipping around the edges, particularly at two of the corners

Sold for £360