A fine Spanish carved gilt and polychrome decorated reliquary bust of Saint Agnes First half 17th century The figure of Saint Agnes carved with dark wavy hair tied up in a jewelled headdress wearing a red and gilt decorated tunic painted with scrolling foliage and flowers with a central niche holding a lamb in her left hand, on a carved, fluted and ogee moulded plinth base, 35.5cm wide, 21.5cm deep, 53.5cm high (13 1/2in wide, 8in deep, 21in high) Footnotes: Provenance Private Collection, UK. Sotheby's, London, Master Sculpture from Four Millennia, 2 July 2025, lot 314 where acquired. Saint Agnes, a Roman virgin and martyr, is traditionally said to have lived during the reign of the Emperor Diocletian. According to her legend, she devoted herself to Christ and refused marriage, declaring that she belonged to Christ alone, and was subsequently martyred for her faith. The lamb she holds in her left hand is a traditional attribute of the saint. It alludes to the Latin agnus (lamb), whose sound closely resembles Agnes, while also symbolising her innocence, purity, virginity, and gentle nature. The lamb further evokes the sacrificial nature of her martyrdom, recalling the biblical image of a lamb led to the slaughter. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing