Mid 16th century - Lot 164

Mid 16th century Glass roundel painted in grisaille and silver yellow, depicting the Wheel of Fortune in the form of a blindfolded woman seated on a wheel and holding a glass in each hand, one of which is inverted. Four characters are seated on the wheel, with a phylactery and inscriptions on each: a king carrying a scepter with the word REGNO (the reign), two men with the word REGNAM (the kingdom) and a fourth, lying on the wheel with the phrase SOM FINE REGNO (the end of the reign). Reassembled. D. 27.5 cm The wheel is an inescapable illustration of man's inability to grasp or hold on to anything. A miniature by the Master of Coëtivy (Colin d'Amiens 1400-1450) depicts the transitory passage of this material world, subject to the vagaries of fortune the vagaries of fortune in preparation for the divine kingdom.