Byzantine, 6th/ 7th century

with Donati Antichita’ Classiche, Lugano, 1960s to 2004;
private collection, England

Overall the condition of the marble is good with wear, some weathering, and dirt to the surface consistent with age. The head was broken off shoulders or a full figure at the neck. There are chips to the high points throughout, including the hair at the front, the proper left eyebrow, tip of the nose and the proper left tip of the beard. There is some minor wear to the edges of the base with some remnants of an old label to the reverse.
"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."

Byzantine marble carving is often recognisable through the elaborate use of the drill, especially to represent the pupils and mouth. Perhaps most recognisable are the arresting stylised Constantinian heads but in Asia Minor and South Italy the Roman taste prevailed.

RELATED LITERATURE
N. Firatli, La sculpture Byzantine figurée au Musée Archéologique d'Istanbul, Istanbul, 1990, p. 15, no. 22, pl. 11