Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0177
Byzantine Stone Carving of Saint Peter
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
4 in. (4 1/2 in.) (103 grams, 10.4 cm (132 grams total, 11.7 cm including stand)).
Rectangular marble panel with half-round figure of standing Saint Peter between two columns, holding ring with three keys and scroll in one hand, inscription 'ΠΕTPOC' to the upper right corner; finely carved low-relief cross with wide arms to the reverse; repaired and mounted on a custom-made display stand.
Provenance
with The Bactria Corp., NYC, USA, 1970s.
Private collection, New York, USA.
with Arte Primitivo, New York, USA, 17 March 2021, no.619 ($9,920.00).
Private collection, London, UK.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12839-240781.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Literature
Cf. for similar icon Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 869.
Footnotes
The relief shows similarities with scenes from sarcophagi made in Constantinople, which depict miracles of Christ witnessed by the Apostles, especially Saint Peter. In particular, due to its similarity to fragments of a sarcophagus from Leontopolis but carved in Byzantium, the scene may depict the healing of the blind man of Jericho, with Peter witnessing the miracles performed by Jesus.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Piriform in profile with domed mouth and narrow point, the body with raised lugs and bosses on a stamped background; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 780 grams, 13.8 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Byzantine Gold and Rock Crystal Pendant with Adoration Scene
Late 6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,680
Ellipsoid intaglio with adoration scene comprising of seated Virgin holding an infant Christ on her lap, opposite a standing crowned figure holding a shield(?), cross to the upper centre of the scene; set in a golden frame with ribbed border and suspension loop to the top. 9.35 grams, 36 mm
Ex an important collection of Christian artefacts, from a Surrey, UK, gentleman, 1980-1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12871-240788. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Byzantine Lead Holy Water Pilgrim's Ampulla Group
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Comprising a miniature amphora with small lateral handles, larger ampulla with transverse ribbing, open at the rim. 68 grams total, 36-52 mm
Acquired on the UK art market during the late 20th century. From the private collection of David King (1940-2024), Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
