7th C. Byzantine Coptic Effigy Virgin Nursing Christ
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Description
Near East, Byzantine Coptic to early Medieval Period, ca. 7th to 9th century CE. A limestone carving of a woman nursing an infant, likely the Virgin Mary and Jesus. The woman wears a robe incised with linear markings that create triangular shapes across her bell-shaped profile, and tight cap covers her neck and shoulders, the baby grasping her breasts. This nursing Christ and Mary imagery was popular in Orthodox Christian tradition- and perhaps recalled the Egyptian goddess, Isis, famously depicted nursing her child, the deity Horus- iconography that people would be familiar with. This piece is compact with a stable, cylindrical base, we wondered if perhaps this was a chess piece - however it was more likely used as a private devotional piece. Size: 1.5" Diameter x 3.3" H (3.8 cm x 8.4 cm)
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
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#177298
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#177298
Condition
Finial on headdress is reattached, minor chips, otherwise body it intact. Light mineral deposits in recessed areas. Old inventory label on base.
Buyer's Premium
- 26.5%
7th C. Byzantine Coptic Effigy Virgin Nursing Christ
Estimate $1,600 - $2,400
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