Description:

Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A lovely traveling icon encased in a gilded silver hinged case representing Saint Nicholas in the central panel, flanked by Christ Emmanuel to the left and Saint Nicholas as the Wonderworker to the right - dressed in sumptuous episcopal vestments, wearing a cross adorned omophorion, giving benediction and holding the Gospel, the figures presenting finely painted visages and hands and extensively delineated vestments. The exterior of the case is engraved with a pair of crosses on the front panels and an elaborate border framing the backside. Also visible are hallmarks: the symbol for Kokoshnik (a helmeted profile face used from 1896 to 1908), 84 indicating sterling silver, and an assayers marks B.C. - on the front and back of each panel. Size: 4.25" W x 3.5" H (10.8 cm x 8.9 cm) open; 2.125" W (5.4 cm) closed

Saint Nicholas was a strong opponent of the heretical bishop Arius at the Council of Nicaea; after slapping Arius in the face, Nicholas was stripped of his holy insignia and tossed in jail. However, Christ and the Virgin appeared to him and gave him back his freedom and his episcopal office. Here shown with a serious countenance, a high furrowed forehead, concentrating eyes framed by arched brows, and a short, gray beard, Saint Nicholas is portrayed as a staunch champion of the Christian faith, a defender against heresy, and a healer.

Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection

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#124414

  • Condition: Only very minor areas of surface wear and tarnish. Near choice.

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August 31, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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