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Back to previous pageLOT 0182
Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
9 7/8 in. (3.83 kg total, 25 cm including stand).
Fragment of a sculpture representing the draped bust of an Apostle, making a blessing gesture with his right hand, and holding a scroll in his left hand, part of the neck visible; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
PROVENANCE:
Mr F.D. collection, acquired on the European art market, 1975 to present.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
LITERATURE:
Cf. for similar iconography Burckhardt, J., Die Zeit Constantins des Grossen, Leipzig, 1898, pls.68, 69, 88, 90, 91, and especially 201, for similar images; Comstock, M.B. (ed.), Romans and Barbarians, Boston, 1976, p.206, no.246 (ivory plaque with Achilles on Skyros).
FOOTNOTES:
The image and gesture is visible on many early Christian sarcophagi of the Constantinian era, representing the deceased with his wife. The bas-relief in question could represent an apostle from a scene representing the twelve disciples with Jesus.
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