Byzantium, Circa 6th century

Private collects ion, 1970
Sotheby's, New York, 2 December 1988, lot 99

There is dirt and wear to the mosaic consistent with age. The mosaic has been excavated and set into plaster, concrete and canvas. The mosaic exists as a fragment and there are various losses, most notably to each of the corners and sides. Some of the tesserae are lost from the main body of the mosaic and it is possible that some may be replaced. Areas of losses include to and around the man's skirt, legs and feet. Golden-brown glue is present between many of the tesserae, where they have been reset. The plaster is abraded in areas, in particular to the bottom of the panel. There is wear and dirt to the metal frame throughout and the paint has flaked. There are some small losses to the plaster at the back. There is a stable fissure running horizontally through the middle of the panel at the back, and there are some losses to the plaster at either end of this fissure. The mosaic should nevertheless be handled carefully. Replica Shoes 's recommends that it should be looked at by a professional conservator.
"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 stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes '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."

Compare with the 5th-/ 6th-century Byzantine mosaic sold at Replica Shoes 's New York on 12 December 2013, lot 85. The present figure is also similar to a man holding a cornucopia from a 6th-century Byzantine floor mosaic fagment with a Personification of Ktisis in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv. no. 1998.69; 1999.99).