Sale: CNG 69, Lot: 2279. Estimate $1000.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 8 June 2005.  Sold For $1100. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

[Antiquities] BYZANTINE. Bronze plaque. Circa 13th-14th century. A thin bronze plaque, 75mm high, 50mm wide, with a high relief repoussé figure of the archangel Michael in military dress, winged and holding spear and orb, standing on clouds. Chased and engraved details and ornamentation. Apparently cut from a larger sheet, probably an appliqué for a Gospel cover. Even dark green patina, some encrustation. A choice and rare example of late Byzantine metalwork. ($1000)

Michael appears in late Byzantine art as taxiarch, or commander of the heavenly host and defender of the imperial armies, as the empire faced ever-increasing threats from its enemies.