- 4
Byzantine, late 14th / early 15th century
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description
- Presentation in the Temple
- ivory
Condition
Overall the condition of the ivory is very good. There is some minor splitting consistent with material. There is a crack in the centre of the relief and small parts of the architecture in the centre and top right are missing.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
This delicate relief is exceptional for the level of detail in small scale, the unusual features of the architectural setting, and the composition as Simeon holds the Christ Child. Other Byzantine reliefs of the subject show rather the Virgin presenting the Child to Simeon's outstretched arms. Another, simplified version of the scene carved in ivory was sold as part of the Von Hirsch sale in these rooms in 1978 (lot 275). That ivory was dated to the 12th century. A black stone version of the scene in the Benaki Museum, Athens, is also dated to that period. However, visual vocabulary remained largely unchanged over the following centuries and the piercing and architecture would seem to suggest a date in the fourteenth or fifteenth century.
As one of the twelve Great Feasts of the liturgical year, called the Dodekaorton, this relief of the Presentation at the Temple, would have been set with other feasts such as the Annunciation and Pentecost, probably framing an icon or attached to a book cover.
RELATED LITERATURE
Byzantine Art a European Art, exh. cat. Zappeion Exhibition Hall, Athens, 1964, no. 107, pp. 193-4; H. Evans & D. Wixom ed. The Glory of Byzantium, exh. cat. Metropolitan Museum of New York, 1997, nos. 85-6 & 91, pp. 137-9 & 144-6
As one of the twelve Great Feasts of the liturgical year, called the Dodekaorton, this relief of the Presentation at the Temple, would have been set with other feasts such as the Annunciation and Pentecost, probably framing an icon or attached to a book cover.
RELATED LITERATURE
Byzantine Art a European Art, exh. cat. Zappeion Exhibition Hall, Athens, 1964, no. 107, pp. 193-4; H. Evans & D. Wixom ed. The Glory of Byzantium, exh. cat. Metropolitan Museum of New York, 1997, nos. 85-6 & 91, pp. 137-9 & 144-6