Lot 140
Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. late 19th century CE. A skillfully executed icon delineated in egg tempera, gold leaf, gesso, and varnish on linen and wood depicting Saint Michael at the center, St. Nicholas to his right and a female saint, possibly St. Barbara to his left. Behind are two additional figures holding golden Russian crosses. Above them all is God the Father floating upon a billowing cloud with golden rays emanating from his nimbus. The composition is impressive for the artist's attempt at linear perspective - notice the floor tile arrangement - in conjunction with the Byzantine style of his figures. The piece is is set behind an arched, gilded brass frame (basma) which is decorated with repousse floral motifs set within a border comprised of contiguous panels and roundels at the corners - surrounded by a very narrow decorative border. Size: 8.75" W x 10.5" H (22.2 cm x 26.7 cm)
Icons (icon means "image" in Greek) are sacred objects within the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition. Found in homes as well as churches, these painted images depict holy persons and saints as well as illustrate scenes from the Scriptures. Some icons are encased in precious metal covers (oklads) adorned with pearls and semi-precious stones or glass-fronted wooden cases (kiots). Some - like this example - are framed with ornate silver basmas. Icons are not worshiped, but are instead venerated for their ability to focus the power of an individual's prayer to God. As such they are truly "windows into heaven."
Provenance: ex-Francis & Lilly Robicsek collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
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#119492
- Condition: A fissure is visible down the right side of the icon. Several divots/losses to the surface. Some surface wear, gilding loss, fissures, and denting to brass border as shown. Some separation visible between wooden panels on the verso. Wired for suspension on verso.
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