Lot 200D
Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. A striking double icon, featuring the Mother of God on the left and Christ Pantokrator (also Pantocrator) on the right, both finely delineated in egg tempera and gold leaf, the Virgin and Child further embellished with faux enamel adorning the halos and borders, both set in a carved wooden liner that was painstakingly decorated with a hand-painted, gilded, and faux enameled floral pattern. All is set in a beautiful wooden kiot, painted black and further adorned with brass sheet appliques at the corners, mid-points of each side, and crest of pediment. Finely painted and set against a sumptuous gold leaf background, Christ Pantocrator, Lord of the Universe, is traditionally depicted - holding an open holy Gospel in his left hand, the fingers of his right hand giving benediction, arranged to form the initials of Christs monogram, IC XC. The Mother of God image pairs perfectly with it, the Virgin donning a stunning crown and both the Virgin and Child's faces skillfully painted and surrounded by golden haloes, set against golden strapwork and within an ornate, faux enamel border in hues of blue, red, pink, and green. Size: 20.25" W x 22.5" H (51.4 cm x 57.2 cm)
The most accepted translation of Pantocrator is "Almighty" or "All Powerful" and the visage of Jesus certainly projects his omnipotence. This iconic depiction continues to be a central icon of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Christ gazes beyond the confines of the image, his visage finely delineated with graceful brushstrokes, a rendering aspiring to the naturalism sought in classical antiquity and the Renaissance, this in contrast to the expertly carved elaborate surround.
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) and glass-fronted wooden cases (kiots) like this example which is further embellished by the gilt liner. 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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#119622
- Condition: Surface wear to liner and icons commensurate with age - with losses to paint, gold leaf, and enamel as shown. Icons show areas of craquelure. Some fissures to liner - particularly at lower miters and ends of central column that divides the icons. Virgin and Child icon has been secured with cork pieces. Kiot is missing glass and shows wear, fissures, and losses to veneer and brass adornments. Still a very special example that with restoration would be a showstopper in any collection.
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