Lot 38A
Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. late 19th century CE. A beautiful Russian Orthodox icon depicting Saint Nicholas of Myra, the Wonderworker, a faithful shepherd and bishop who was bestowed the title of saint even before his death due to his immense holiness and watchful care of his flock, flanked by apparitions of Christ and the Virgin Mary (see discussion of their relationship to St. Nicholas below), the composition finely painted in egg tempera on wood and fitted with a stunning silver oklad. St. Nicholas holds the holy book in his left hand and raises his right hand in blessing. The silver oklad delineates his robes, habit, and holy book in repousse with finely engraved and chased details and is stamped with a maker's mark of "CK" and an assay of 84 which indicates sterling silver, and the saint's halo is meticulously cut. The memorable archbishop of southern Asia Minor in the 4th century, St. Nicholas inspired Santa Claus legends and imagery! Size: 8.875" L x 7" W (22.5 cm x 17.8 cm)
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. The visages of each figure are painted with impressive naturalism, their vestments and surrounds skillfully modeled in repousse and intricately patterned on the oklad, making for marvelous contrasts between figure and ground.
The oklad (also spelled oclad) or riza, sometimes referred to as a revetment in English, is a metal cover, in this case silver, that not only protects the icon, but also serves to honor or venerate the figure(s) depicted on the icon. Oklads are usually adorned with repousse work and pierced to reveal elements of the underlying painting. This artisan truly knew how to bring silver to life in a manner that both complements and uplifts the painted image.
Provenance: Ex-private Ventura County, CA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#121472
- Condition: Silver oklad shows some bending and small tears at peripheries with expected areas of tarnish. Painted areas present a few scratches/scuffs here and there, but overall are very good with vivid imagery.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |