Lot 76
  • 76

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

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • A Byzantine Mosaic Fragment, Syria
  • 44 1/8 by 69 1/4 in. 112 by 176 cm.
depicting in multicolored tesserae a powerful boar leaping to left, with bristling coat, gaping mouth, and coiled tail.

Provenance

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

Condition

Tesserae set in heavy modern concrete slab, note small areas of missing tesserae (e.g. around neck, on belly, underbelly, and tail); lower right corner, including lower part of hoof, appears to be restored, 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.

Catalogue Note

For a wild boar pursued by a lioness at Qabr Hiram see P. Donceel-Voûte, Les pavements des églises byzantines de Syrie et du Liban: décor, archéologie et liturgie, Louvain-la-Neuve, 1988, planche hors-texte 17.