Loading, please wait...
LOT 0182
Byzantine Stone Relief Section with Draped Figure
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.
ProvenanceMr 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.
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).
FootnotesThe 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.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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.
-
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Comprising a piriform body with raised lugs to the upper body, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 513 grams, 13.7 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. -
Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant
10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
Enkolpion with ribbed loop and hinges, engraved orans image to each face: obverse with Jesus and 'ICXC' legend, reverse with Mary and 'MP-ΘC' legend. 34.2 grams, 66 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Byzantine Gold Marriage Ring with Facing Couple
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £7,150
With integral discoid bezel displaying a male and female facing intaglio bust, Greek text below 'OMONOIA', (concord. agreement, harmony). 10.51 grams, 23.35 mm overall, 19.57 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)
From the late Alison Barker collection, 1970-1990. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12531-231455. 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.
