IMPORTANT BYZANTINE MARBLE RELIEF WITH BIRDS AND GRIFFINS

Ca. AD 600 - 800. A rectangular openwork marble relief divided into four panels by a central cross decorated with interlacing ornament. The smaller upper panels depict a pair of confronting birds with hooked beaks, their wings carved with overlapping feathers and their feet resting on the crossbar. Below, two confronting griffins are seated on their haunches, with raised forelegs, avian heads and feathered wings extending behind their shoulders. A row of four rosettes decorates the lower register, and the outer frame is carved with a continuous scrolling vine. Size: 770mm x 410mm; Weight: 66kg Provenance: Private London collection; Roger Peyrefitte collection, prior to 1990s, acquired in French art market. UK art gallery, 2010s. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.

Estimate:£10,000

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