Lot 69
Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. A finely painted Russian Orthodox icon of an enormous scale, depicting the Birth of the Virgin Mary theme in egg tempera, gesso, gold leaf, and varnish on limewood. As is customary, the icon depicts the interior of Anne's home (note the architectural elements in the background) and various scenes, including: on the left, Mary's mother (Saint Anne) looking somewhat anxious on a couch as she contemplates the mysterious event that has occured inside her body, a servant beside her bringing a golden cup, Joachim holding the swaddled Child further to the right, a midwife dressed in white about to bathe Mary below Anne, while an attendant pours water into the golden bath. The Virgin is depicted the size of an infant; however, with adult features, a golden halo, and most importantly, the initials of Mary's title, "Mother of God." The figures are characteristically rigid and pantomime-like, inspired by the Byzantine style admired by the Russian Orthodox Church. Size: 49.625" L x 32" W (126 cm x 81.3 cm)
According to scholar Alfredo Tradigo, "This feast originated in fifth-century Jerusalem, where, according to tradition, the house which Mary was born stood near the Pool of Bethesda, close to the present-day basilica of Saint Anne. The day, September 8, falls in the beginning of the Byzantine liturgical year and is considered the origin of all feast days, since, with the birth of the Virgin, the story of man's salvation begins. It also represents the plenitude of the eighth day, the day of resurrection, which follows the six days of creation and the seventh day of rest." (Tradigo, Icons and Saints of the Eastern Orthodox Church, Getty Publications, 2006, p. 97) This composition is also presented in the Birth of the Virgin icon from the Simon Monastery, Church of the Nativity of the Virgin, early 17th century CE - now in the Kolomenskoe Museum, Moscow. Contextual text: "Today Anne the barren gives birth to the Child of God, foreordained from all generations to be the habitation of the King of all." (Great Vespers for September 8)
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. 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: private Santa Fe, New Mexico USA 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.
#124423
- Condition: A few old chips to peripheries, surface wear with nice craquelure, some pigment/gilt losses, and hairline fissures. Age cracks visible on verso and some areas of periphery. Back slats created to prevent warping are flush with the verso. Old hammered metal loop once used for suspension on back; now wired for suspension.
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 |