Lot 76A
Ancient Near East, early Byzantine Empire, ca. 4th to early 8th century CE. A beautiful portrait style mosaic of an elegant lady composed with hundreds of hand-cut stone tesserae. Her bust is encircled by a circular, twisted border and flanking her shoulder are two birds. Upon the white ground are the letters "MIKN YCI." The woman is clad in ornate drapery, a red cape over a green tunic, held in place with a gold chain and emerald fibula. This youthful woman has a lovely complexion; she has a slender neck, rounded face with full lips, almond shaped eyes, and a wavy coiffure of brown locks cascades to her shoulders. Upon her head is a diadem or crown, decorated in yellow, green, and citrine hues to represent precious gems and gold. This is a skillful portrait of a woman of elite status, rendered in such detail; note those shadows from her chin to neck! Size (mosaic): 33" W x 33.5" H (83.8 cm x 85.1 cm); (matrix): 35.75" W x 35.75" H (90.8 cm x 90.8 cm)
Mosaics (opus tesellatum) are some of our enduring images from the Byzantine world, appreciated not only for their aesthetic beauty, but also because they reveal what Byzantines chose to depict and see every day decorating their private and public spaces. 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. Ktisis is the Roman personification of Foundation, and often uses the imagery of a bejeweled woman to portray generosity and benevolence that should permeate the foundation of the building. Ktisis is usually depicted in Eastern Roman provinces or colonies and the personifications of abstract ideas remained popular in the Early Christian era.
Please note that this item is heavy/oversized. Please inquire about shipping prior to bidding.
Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities, New York, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#166761
- Condition: Mounted on a concrete backing and framed. Minor nicks and chips to some stone tesserae, and light encrustations, otherwise intact and excellent. Great preservation to tesserae coloration and overall design. Some stable hairline fissures to concrete matrix.
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