Head of a Bishop Saint

Description Although likely produced centuries later, this fresco fragment recalls fresco painting of the Byzantine period. The heavy modeling of the bishop saint’s face and hair are characteristic of earlier representations of holy figures on church walls. He wears a richly patterned textile characteristic of bishops' vestments, and a metallic pigment was used to highlight his halo.

Exhibitions

• Early Christian and Byzantine Art. Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore. 1947.

Provenance [Said to be from Thessaloniki [Salonika]]; Joseph Brummer, New York, October 28, 1923, by purchase [Brummer inv. no. 770, 771, or 772- sold together as lot]; Henry Walters, Baltimore, December 1923, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Inscriptions [Transcription] Scalloped circular sticker on reverse in lower left corner: DOUANE CENTRALE PARIS

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters, 1923