223 - Byzantine Steatite Icon with Military Saint. 10th-12th century A.D. Fragment of an icon depicting a facing saint modelled in the half-round within an arch; an ellipsoid low-relief face with hatched collar-length hair, lentoid eyes with pointill pupils flanking a long nose; wearing a lamellar cuirass (klivanion); stylised sword (spathion) to the shoulder with lobe pommel, piriform blade with hatched median bar and undulations to the flanks (simulating damascening); arch resting on a balustered column with shallow fixing socket above the saint's head; mounted on a custom-made stand. Cf. for similar Chichurov, I.S., Byzantine Cherson, catalogue of exhibition, Moscow, 1991, figs.83, 84; cf. also Kalavrezou-Maxeiner, I., Byzantine Icons in steatite, Wien, 1985, pls. 8 (Athos, Vatopedi Monastery), 11 (Louvre, Saint Demetrios), 15 (Cherson, Saint Demetrios), 21 (Cherson, Saints Theodore, George and Demetrios), 28 (Moscow, Historical Museum). 60 grams total, icon: 72 mm high (2 3/4 in.). (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.)

Byzantine Steatite Icon with Military Saint. 10th-12th century A.D. Fragment of an icon depicting a facing saint modelled in the half-round within an arch; an ellipsoid low-relief face with hatched collar-length hair, lentoid eyes with pointill pupils flanking a long nose; wearing a lamellar cuirass (klivanion); stylised sword (spathion) to the shoulder with lobe pommel, piriform blade with hatched median bar and undulations to the flanks (simulating damascening); arch resting on a balustered column with shallow fixing socket above the saint's head; mounted on a custom-made stand. Cf. for similar Chichurov, I.S., Byzantine Cherson, catalogue of exhibition, Moscow, 1991, figs.83, 84; cf. also Kalavrezou-Maxeiner, I., Byzantine Icons in steatite, Wien, 1985, pls. 8 (Athos, Vatopedi Monastery), 11 (Louvre, Saint Demetrios), 15 (Cherson, Saint Demetrios), 21 (Cherson, Saints Theodore, George and Demetrios), 28 (Moscow, Historical Museum). 60 grams total, icon: 72 mm high (2 3/4 in.). (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.) Jacques and Henriette Schumann collection, Paris, France. with Christie's, Paris, France, 30 September 2003, no.248. European private collection. Accompanied by a copy of French passport no.061301, dated 3 September 2003. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.12690-234660. Jacques and Henriette Schumann were distinguished Parisian collectors known for their discerning taste and passion for antiquities and decorative arts. Their collection, assembled over several decades, reflected a deep appreciation for cultural heritage and historical significance. Works from their collection have been included in major European auctions and are recognised for their provenance and quality. TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists. See our website for more information.