Byzantine, 11th-13th century

mounted on velvet covered panel

Sotheby's London 17th April 1980,  lot 3

Overall the sections are in very good condition. There is tarnishing particularly in the crevices. There is wear to the surface and the gilding particularly to the raised elements such as the faces.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

These finely detailed repoussé reliefs may originally have been attached to a book cover or, more probably, functioned as a frame of an icon. They are embellished with representations of the Dodekaorton, the twelve important Great Feasts of the liturgical year: Annunciation, Nativity, Epiphany, Presentation at the Temple, Transfiguration, Entry into Jerusalem, Raising of Lazarus, Crucifixion, Anastasis, Ascension, Dormition of the Virgin and Pentecost (two are missing). Compare in particular with that illustrated by Grabar, dated to the thirteenth century. Earlier comparable intricate scrolling foliate ornamentation can be found on the surround to the mosaic of St. Nicholas, dated to the 11th century in the monastery of St. John the Theologian and illustrated in the Council of Europe exhibition catalogue. Further comparison can be made with the silver gilt frame surrounding a steatite icon with St. Demetrios exhibited in the Kremlin, Moscow and illustrated  by H. C. Evans and dated there to the late 13th century. It has been suggested that the inclusion of the warrior saints in the representation of the Pentecost are more indicative of a late 13th century date rather than earlier.

RELATED LITERATURE
Byzantine Art, 9th Exhibition of the Council of Europe (Athens 1964) no. 162, fig. 162; A. Grabar, Les revêtements en or et en argent des icones byzantines du Moyen Age, Bibliotheque de l'Institut Hellenique d'Etudes Byzantines et Post Byzantines de Venise, no. 7, 1975 no. 42, pl.XXVI; Treasures of Mount Athos, exh. cat., Museum of Byzantine Culture, Thessalonika 1997, pp.312-3; H. C. Evans, ed., Byzantium: Faith and Power (1261-1557), (New York, 2004) p. 214, fig.7.7