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LOT 1958
Russian Orthodox Bronze Cross with Prayers
19TH CENTURY A.D.
4 3/8 in. (65.4 grams, 11.1 cm).
Depicting the Saviour on the cross, the titulum inscribed in Cyrillic ‘Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews’; long inscriptions in Old Church Slavonic and traditional elements of the ‘Stavrosis’ surrounding the cross: sponge on reed, spear and a skull set on stones marking the site as Golgotha, twisted cords or wire, and the walls of Jerusalem; on the upper part of the cross, angels with cloth-covered hands and over them a frontal view of the torso of God with his arms raised above clouds; inscribed prayers in Old Church Slavonic and file marks on the back of the casting. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 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.25819.003-4., p.42, for similar iconography.
FootnotesOrthodox 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.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Post Medieval Artefact Group
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
Including coins, cufflinks, bent silver love charm, and other items. 145 grams total, 15-44 mm
Found Suffolk, UK. (UK buyers only, not for export) -
Russian Wooden Icon with St John the Baptist
19th century A.D.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £800
Comprising a painted board with mounting panel and slots to the reverse, gessoed surface with painting of St John the Baptist standing nimbate with wings spread behind him, left hand supporting a bowl containing his severed head and holding an unfurled scroll with Cyrillic text 'Repent ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand,' (Matthew 3:2); right hand raised in blessing; landscape with sand-dunes and trees; gilded title above; the upper border with gilt Slavonic inscription reading 'Holy John the Forerunner'; from the Palekh Icon School, probably made in Mstera circa 1890. 1.02 kg, 31 cm high
Fine condition.
Ex property of a London lady, part of her family's collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.11546-196366.
The Palekh icon school emerged in the 17th century, inspired by the Moscow and Suzdal traditions of icon painting. Although preserving many features of traditional Russian iconography, the school created its own style that remained active into the 18th century. The hallmarks of the school include the frequent use of gold on the clothes of the saints and a rich palette. Bodies are shown as tall and slender and abrupt transitions between light and shadow are distinctive features of Palekh icons. The wings of Saint John derive from the double meaning of the Greek word used to describe him in Mark 1:2 - Angelos, meaning both messenger and angel. John is often called a 'Heavenly Man' and 'Earthly Angel' in Orthodoxy. At his feet is shown a small tree with an axe cutting into it, illustrating Luke 3:9, 'And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the tree...' -
Russian Silver-Gilt Cross Pendant
21st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Cruciform pendant, the upper arm with suspension loop and dense reserved text, lower arms expanding to a spade-shaped finial; reserved and recessed central panel with Calvary scene on a field of dense text; stamped '925' to rear of loop. 4.43 grams, 29 mm
From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s.
