Constantinople, 11th century AD. A hollow-formed gilt-bronze altar cross fragment comprising: obverse with central disc panel, repoussé bust of Mary Theotokos with headdress and wrap-over robe, ropework border, flared arms with one knop finial in situ, low-relief vine detailing, lower arm with similar ornament and knop finial extending to a disc with repoussé mask of a bearded saint within a ropework border, rectangular mounting slot beneath; reverse with low-relief lattice pattern and lilies. 153 grams, 13.7cm (5 1/2"). Ex central London gallery; formerly with Rupert Wace Ancient Art, St. James's, London, UK, in 1997; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10330-168331.