- 14
Byzantine, probably Constantinople, mid-10th to mid-11th century
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description
- fragmentary relief with an Apostle, probably St Bartholomew
- ivory
- Byzantine, probably Constantinople, mid-10th to mid-11th century
inscribed: BA...
Condition
There is wear and some dirt consistent with age and handling. The object comprises the left side of a larger plaque which was broken off, leaving a jagged edge along the top, right and underside. A small section on the right side was reattached. A small hole is drilled into the left edge.
"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
The relatively complex drapery and prominent anatomy of the figure in the present relief suggests it originated in the wake of what Goldschmidt and Weitzmann (op.cit.) classified as the "painterly" group of Byzantine ivory carvings. Famous examples include an icon with the Crucifixion in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (inv. no. 17.190.44) in which the figures are designed with a similar weight and volume.
RELATED LITERATURE
A. Goldschmidt and K. Weitzmann, Die byzantinischen Elfenbeinskulpturen des X.-XIII. Jahrhunderts, Berlin, 1934, vol. II, pp. 13-14, pl. II-IX; H.C. Evans and W.D. Wixom (eds.), The glory of Byzantium. Art and culture of the Middle Byzantine era A.D. 843-1261, exhib. cat. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1997, pp. 151-152, no. 97
RELATED LITERATURE
A. Goldschmidt and K. Weitzmann, Die byzantinischen Elfenbeinskulpturen des X.-XIII. Jahrhunderts, Berlin, 1934, vol. II, pp. 13-14, pl. II-IX; H.C. Evans and W.D. Wixom (eds.), The glory of Byzantium. Art and culture of the Middle Byzantine era A.D. 843-1261, exhib. cat. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1997, pp. 151-152, no. 97