LOT 1886

Eastern European Bronze Folding Triptych Icon of the Mother of God 'Joy of All Who Sorrow'

CIRCA 1850'S A.D.

3 1/2 in. (85 grams, 90 mm).

Representing the subject of the advocation of Virgin Mary, depicted as a haloed robed woman, standing with her arms extended outwards, figures kneeling at her side, Greek inscription 'ΜΡ ϴΥ’ (Mother of God) above; the other panels with the entrance of Christ in Jerusalem (top left); the Presentation to the Temple (bottom left); the Resurrection (top right) and the Ascension (bottom right); Cyrillic inscriptions over each of the scenes; on the crest and finial, the Trinity (three angels with cups) flanked by Cherubins, the Mandylion above. [No Reserve]

Acquired from Chris Martin-Zakheim, Iconastas, 5 Piccadilly Arcade, London SW1.
From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s.

Cf. Eighme Ahlborn, R., Beaver-Bricken Espinola, V., Russian Copper Icons and crosses from the Kunz Collection: Castings of Faith, Washington, 1991, nos.25819.099., p.53, for similar iconography.

The icon represents the Intercession of Mary, 'Joy of all who sorrow'. It formed the central part of a triptych with the Mother of God at the centre, surmounted by iconography of veneration. The other parts of the triptych are embossed with scenes of the lives of Christ.