11th-12th century A.D. A bronze plaque fragment with the image of Saint Theodore Stratilates, in military accoutrement, wearing a military cloak (chlamys), muscled armour (thorax heroikon) worn over a zoupa (undershirt) with pteryges, military tunic (spekion) and holding the shield near his leg with the left hand; the sword (spathion) is worn through a baldric passing over the right shoulder across the breast; the zona militaris is knotted upon his breast; small fastening hole still preserved on the upper right side; mounted on a custom-made display stand. Cf. Kalavrezou-Maxeiner, Byzantine Icons in Steatite, Wien, 1985, pl.2, fig.7, pls.6,7, pl.13, no.21, pl.15, no.24a, pl.16, no.28, pl.68, no.144, for the iconography of Saint Theodore Stratilates in military uniform; see also Buckton, D., Byzantium, treasures of Byzantine Art and culture, London, 1994, no.160. 20 grams total, 66 mm high including stand (2 5/8 in."). German art market before 2000. With a European gentleman living in the UK. Property of a Surrey gentleman. The image of Saint Theodore Stratilates, military saint and protector of the Roman army, is very clear, with his rich curled hair and long pointed beard. The military costume which consists of cuirass, military tunic, officer's sash and the knee-length mantle fastened on the right shoulder, and especially the sword's hilt, are consistent with representations from the 11th -12th centuries. The function of the plaque is unclear, but it was probably inserted into some form of stand or frame, serving as a votive or protective amulet, perhaps for a soldier.Condition Report: Fine condition, very detailed artwork.