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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.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
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A large bulbous missile with impressed chevron motifs to the shoulder, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 1.51 kg, 16 cm
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Byzantine Solid Silver 'Jesus Christ Victorious' Ring
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