A Byzantine Mosaic Fragment, Syria, 5th/6th Century A.D.

depicting in multicolored tesserae two ibexes leaping to right, one with head turned back, fragmentary birds below, flowers in the field.

acquired in 1969 by the present owner from Asfar Bros., Hotel st. George, Beirut

Tesserae set in heavy modern concrete slab of trapezoidal form, group of tesserae missing along lower edge near lower right corner, a few isolated tesserae missing including in two of the flowers, several superficial non-structural cracks mostly along right edge and lower left corner, modern grout does not fill interstices in all areas, leaving the sides of many tesserae exposed, colors in catalogue are more vivid tham in reality
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

For a large church pavement showing a multitude of running animals, including two ibexes (one fragmentary) see P. Donceel-Voûte, Les pavements des églises byzantines de Syrie et du Liban: décor, archéologie et liturgie, Louvain-la-Neuve, 1988, fig. 150, p. 179, fig. 156, p. 182, and fig. 159, p. 184 (Mezr'a el-'oulia).