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LOT 1988
Reproduction Silver-Gilt Byzantine Icon of Christ's Baptism
20TH CENTURY A.D.
10 1/4 x 7 7/8 in. (110 grams, 26 x 20 cm).
Representing the Epiphany (the Manifestation) of Jesus Christ; Jesus standing in the river, wearing a small loincloth made from a knotted tallit, recognisable by its striped edge; the rocky landscape of the Jordan valley temporarily breaking open and river becoming a vast whirlpool; from the left bank John reaching towards Jesus and blessing his cousin; four angels look on holding towels; above, the dove of the Holy Spirit with three rays of light; above the inscription Η ΒΑΠΤHCΙC (the Baptism). [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx David Miller, Hemel Hempstead, London, UK.
From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s.
Cf. Matthieson, S., Morrison, G., Heavenly Beings, Icons of the Christian Orthodox World, Auckland, 2022, p.240, for a similar icon.
FootnotesThe Gospel of Mark describes the voice of God announcing: ‘Thou art my beloved Son, with thee I am well pleased’ (Mark 1: 11). This is the theoretical moment after which Jesus becomes known as Christ and John becomes known as the Baptist.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1988
Reproduction Silver-Gilt Byzantine Icon of Christ's Baptism
Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
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Georgian Gemstone with Portrait of a Philosopher
18th-19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
An oval carnelian gemstone engraved with a profile bust of a bearded man. 2.11 grams, 22 mm
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Stuart Period Gold Pendant with Pearl
Circa 17th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
Teardrop pendant with openwork border and loop with inset garnet cloison beneath; central pearl set with gold pin; leaf detailing to reverse. 1.74 grams, 19 mm
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Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Christ Flanked by Mary, Maria, and Saint John
19th century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
Representing the Saviour on the cross, the titulum inscribed with the letters 'ΙC ΧΡ' (Jesus Christ); Cyrillic inscriptions over the sun (Солнце) and the moon (Луна), flanking Jesus and above the heads of the figures: Mary of Magdala (Мария Магдала), the Mother of God ('ΜΡ ϴΥ'), Saint John the Theologian (Св Иоанн) and Saint Longinus (Св Лонгин); on the background the symbols of the Passion (sponge on reed, spear and a skull set on stones marking the site as Golgotha, twisted cords or wire, skan) and the city of Jerusalem; on the upper part of the cross the Archangels Michael and Gabriel with cloth-covered hands, the Mandylion above them. 270 grams, 16.6 cm
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.
Orthodox travel icons were used by the faithful to carry a sacred representation with them during their journeys, offering protection and a constant spiritual connection. The icon features meticulous craftsmanship with intricate details of the Passion and Death of the Saviour, according to the Byzantine iconography.