In Byzantine, 10th/ 11th century style Probably Russian, St. Petersburg, circa 1900

inscribed in Byzantine Greek: Saint Philip and with an old white label to the reverse inscribed in black ink: BYZ. 12-13 / CONNOISS. / OCT. 53 / PAC. 104.

Mikhail Petrovich Botkin (1839-1914), St. Petersburg, Russia;
acquired by the father of the present owners in the mid-20th century

Overall the condition of the plaque is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The enamel has detached from the gold at some of the edges. A few pieces of enamel are slightly unstable, including to the neck and halo, and to the foot and foot plate on the right hand side - there are some small losses and possible restorations in each of these areas. There are various smaller loss, including to the first letter of the Saint's name. There is pitting to the enamel, mostly in the drapery. There are a few small lacunae in the gold around the figure. There is probably intentional warping to the metal, and holes for mounts around the edges.
"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."

This extraordinary plaque is one of the infamous Botkin enamels, a group of fake Middle Byzantine cloisonné enamels acquired by the Russian art collector Mikhail Botkin around 1900. These beautifully enamelled plaques are believed to have been made in St Petersburg, the enamelling capital of the world at the time; there may even be an association with Peter Carl Fabergé (Buckton, op. cit., p. 18). A similar enamel was exhibited at the British Museum; like the present enamel it appears to be inspired by the 10th-century Limburg Reliquary (Jones, op. cit., no. 186c).

RELATED LITERATURE
D. Buckton, 'Bogus Byzantine enamels in Baltimore and Washington D.C.', Journal of the Walters Art Gallery, 46, 1988, pp. 11-24; M. Jones (ed.), Fake? The Art of Deception, exh. cat. British Museum, London, 1990, pp. 178-179, no. 186