Artifact - Antiquity - Terracotta Eulogy Ampulla - Saints And Creatures - Byzantine Art

Dating: 6th century AD Origin: Asia Minor Provenance: Private collection, Aube - France An exceptional ampoule with unique and extremely rare iconography This Byzantine eulogy ampoule in terracotta, dated to the 6th century AD, is distinguished by its extraordinary iconography, much rarer than the typologies usually recorded. Unlike the more common ampoules representing Saint Menas, votive crosses or sacred horsemen, this one presents a combination of new scenes, combining holy figures and the fight against evil. Description • Material: Molded terracotta • Shape: Circular votive ampoule with two perforations for suspension • Relief sculpted decoration: • Side A: A saint or evangelist holding a book decorated with a cross, accompanied by two creatures, including a lion and another undetermined beast. This iconography evokes Saint Mark, Saint Jerome, or an evangelist. • Side B: A standing figure taming a serpent or a dragon, in a victorious posture. This scene could represent Saint Michael the Archangel, a Christ-like fight against evil, or a little-known variant of early Christian iconography. An absolute rarity – No parallels identified According to the classification of Byzantine ampoules established by Catherine Metzger (Les Ampoules à Eulogie du Musée du Louvre, 1981), our example does not fit into any traditional category, which makes it all the more precious and exceptional. • No correspondence with the ampoules representing Saint Menas and his camels, a widely used motif. • The evangelists holding a book do not generally appear with animal creatures at their feet. • The scenes of spiritual combats rather feature horseman saints, whereas here, the figure stands, dominating a serpent or a dragon. • The iconography reflects an unprecedented hybridization, probably from a local tradition or a poorly documented sanctuary. This exceptional composition, with no direct parallel, makes this ampoule an absolutely rare piece, much more sought after than the usual models. Symbolism and use in Antiquity Pilgrimage object: This ampoule was probably used to contain water or blessed oil from a Christian sanctuary in Asia Minor. Spiritual protection: The iconography evokes a role of sacred talisman, intended to ensure the divine protection of the wearer. Extremely rare representation: The absence of a direct parallel makes this ampoule a museum piece, likely to bring a new reading to Byzantine religious practices. State of conservation • Very good condition for an artifact from this period • Reliefs still clearly legible • A small chip visible on the neck, without major alteration of the scene • No restoration Dimensions Height: 6 cm Width: 5 cm Iconography and Bibliography consulted Metzger, C. (1981) – Les Ampoules à Eulogie du Musée du Louvre, Éditions de la Réunion des Musées Nationaux, Paris. Grabar, A. (1946) – Ampullae de Terre Sainte et Byzantium, Paris. Weitzmann, K. (1979) – Age of Spirituality: Late Antique and Early Christian Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY.