A relief carved marble figural panel depicting a group of seven martyred monks in the Romanesque style Probably 19th century The tonsured figures all clad in robes, the majority depicted with the instruments of their death including a sword, a foil, a razor, a hammer and various axes and with the initials S and M, COULD THESE BE THE SEVEN MACCABEAN BROTHERS? Early stories of martyred monks from biblical or early Christian times include the Seven Maccabean Brothers. The story recounts their martyrdom during the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes in the 2nd century BC. Their story, as described in the Second Book of Maccabees, highlights their refusal to eat pork, which led to their torture and execution, affirming their faith in the resurrection of the body. Additionally, early Christian martyrs, such as Ignatius of Antioch, are recognized for their courage and faith, often depicted as heroes in Christian tradition. These stories are foundational to the belief in martyrdom and the resurrection in both Jewish and Christian traditions. the panel, 75cm high, 45cm wide, 6,5cm deep, the modern marble plinth, 12cm high, 50cm wide, 20cm deep This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: TP TP For auctions held in Scotland: Please refer to the catalogue and/or after-sale information or contact Edinburgh@Bonhams.com for more information. For all other auctions: Lots will be moved to an offsite storage location (The Packengers, Unit 9, Abbey Mead Industrial Park, Brooker Road, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1HU, England, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue and/or after-sale information, sent out to all buyers post-sale. Please note transfer and storage charges will apply to any lots not collected after 10 calendar days from the auction date. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing