792 - A VERY FINE ICON DEPICTING THE FORTY MARTYRS OF SEBASTE

A VERY FINE ICON DEPICTING THE FORTY MARTYRS OF SEBASTE Greece, 16th century Single panel. Recessed image field, egg tempera on a chalk ground, gold ground. 28 x 22 cm. The Forty Martyrs of Sebaste were Roman soldiers who were persecuted for their Christian faith during the reign of Emperor Licinius. After openly professing their Christian faith, they were sentenced by the local prefect to spend a night naked in a frozen lake. During the night, one of the soldiers wavered and sought refuge in a warm bath that had been prepared for those who would renounce their faith. But in an impressive act of faith, the soldier on guard duty, moved by the martyrs’ steadfastness, joined them, thereby restoring their number to forty. Edges: Provenance: International private collection. Please note that this lot was temporarily imported from a third country for the auction. Upon transfer of the artwork from Hargesheimer Kunstauktionen Düsseldorf to the buyer, the buyer becomes the importer and owes Hargesheimer Kunstauktionen Düsseldorf import sales tax currently amounting to 7%. Export deliveries to third countries (i.e., outside the EU) and deliveries to companies in EU member states—provided the VAT identification number is provided—are exempt from VAT. A VERY FINE ICON OF THE FORTY MARTYRS OF SEBASTE Greek, 16th century Tempera on wood panel with a recessed central field. Gold ground. The Forty Martyrs of Sebaste were Roman soldiers persecuted for their Christian faith during the reign of Emperor Licinius. Having openly professed their Christianity, they were condemned by the local prefect to spend a night naked on a frozen lake. During the night, one of the soldiers wavered and sought refuge in a warm bath prepared for those who would renounce their faith. However, a guard on duty, moved by the steadfastness of the martyrs, joined them in an extraordinary act of faith, thus restoring their number to forty. The edges are chipped. 28 x 22 cm. Please note: This lot has been imported from outside the EU for sale at auction under Temporary Admission. When Hargesheimer releases such property to buyers in the EU, the buyer becomes the importer, and import VAT of 7% is payable on the hammer price. To receive a refund of VAT amounts or import VAT, a non-EU bidder must have registered to bid with an address outside the EU and provide immediate proof of proper export from the EU. Exports made by companies from other EU member states will be exempt from VAT if they provide their VAT identification number.