Basilakes Phloros, vestes and katepano of Kars and Iberia (third quarter of the 11th century), the Virgin, nimbate, seated facing on throne with back, wearing mapharion and holding the medallion of Christ before her, the seat of the throne covered with a cushion, in fields to left and right **, all within a circle of dots, rev. legend in six lines, **, 13.52g., very fine

Details

Basilakes Phloros, vestes and katepano of Kars and Iberia (third quarter of the 11th century), the Virgin, nimbate, seated facing on throne with back, wearing mapharion and holding the medallion of Christ before her, the seat of the throne covered with a cushion, in fields to left and right **, all within a circle of dots, rev. legend in six lines, **, 13.52g., very fine

Lot Essay

Not published, though mentioned in Vecchi catalogue, September 1988, lot 1317. The Byzantine historian Nicephorus Bryiennios mentions that Basilakes Phloros was the father of the famous Nicephorus Basilakes (Vasilig in Armenian), who succeeded him as vestes and strategos of Kars and Iberia after the surrender of Kars by the Armenian king Gagik to the empire in 1064. Nicephorus Basilakes, as magistros, took part in the battle of Mantzikert (1078). He was captured, released, and became duke of Dyrrachion in 1078.