Lot 74A
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Near East, Byzantine, ca. 5th to 8th century Ce. A splendid mosaic featuring an ornate geometric design resembling a quatrefoil or Maltese cross, all delineated in hundreds of petite stone tesserae. Mosaics - opus tesellatum - are some of our enduring images from the Byzantine world, not only for their aesthetic beauty, but also because they reveal what Romans chose to depict and see every day decorating their private and public spaces. This example is abstract in its intention and highlights the Byzantine' keen eye for design and fascination with geometry. This opulent example of ancient decorum would be a gorgeous addition to any home; just imagine the mesmerizing motif adorning your walls or serving as a table or backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom! The intricate combination of diverse motifs and colors makes this truly a feast for the eyes! Size of mosaic: 26.3" L x 27.7" W (66.8 cm x 70.4 cm); of matrix: 29.25" L x 30.75" W (74.3 cm x 78.1 cm)
In the Roman province of Syria, which encompassed most of the ancient Near East/Levant, mosaics seem to have developed as a popular art form relatively late, with most finds coming from the 3rd century CE or later. Syria was one of Rome's wealthiest provinces, but it was also far removed from Rome itself and Roman culture was overlaid on enduring cultural traditions from Hellenistic Greece and the great civilizations that came before it. For example, Antioch-on-the-Orontes (modern day Antakya, Turkey), was the capital of northern Roman Syria, and its excavations in the 1930s revealed more than three hundred mosaic pavements. Popular mosaic themes from this region were often mythological or religious scenes, depicting gods and goddesses; however, sometimes mosaics were created to fit the theme of a building or room.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#174722
- Condition: Expected wear with chips, recessions, and abrasions to tesserae commensurate with age. Set in a modern matrix and ready to hang.
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| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |