Description:

Near East / Holy Land, Byzantine Empire, ca. 9th to 11th century CE. A lovely mosaic depicting the portrait of a man from the chest up, formed from dozens of cut stone tesserae in hues of pink, peach, red, cream, and black. Flanked by a pair of pink flowers, the ancient figure gazes outwards from elongated, almond-shaped eyes beneath a straight brow as he holds his hands to his chest. The face displays a minimalistic nose, thin lips, and a pointed chin, all supported by a lengthy neck and square shoulders. A thick coiffure frames his naturalistic visage. Size: 10.25" W x 13.5" H (26 cm x 34.3 cm)

Mosaics (opus tesellatum) are some of our enduring images from the Byzantine world. They reveal everyday life, social interactions, and even things like clothing styles, personal ornament, and the interior of buildings in ways other styles of Byzantine art generally do not. This mosaic would have decorated the home of a wealthy patron of the arts, and probably formed part of a floor.

Provenance: ex-Aspire Auctions, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

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#164801

  • Condition: All stone tesserae are ancient. Set in modern plaster backing. Minor nicks and abrasions to some tesserae, with light encrustations, and minor fading to original coloration. Some small losses to corners and peripheries. Great earthen deposits throughout.

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September 17, 2022 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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