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Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Christ Flanked by Mary, Maria, and Saint John Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Christ Flanked by Mary, Maria, and Saint John Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Christ Flanked by Mary, Maria, and Saint John
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Details

LOT 1927

Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Christ Flanked by Mary, Maria, and Saint John

19TH CENTURY A.D.

6 1/2 in. (270 grams, 16.6 cm).

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.

Provenance

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.

Literature

Cf. Eighme Ahlborn, R., Beaver-Bricken Espinola, V., Russian Copper Icons and crosses from the Kunz Collection: Castings of Faith, Washington, 1991, nos.25819.003ff., pp.42ff., for similar iconography.

Footnotes

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.

CONDITION
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LOT 1927

Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Christ Flanked by Mary, Maria, and Saint John

Estimate £300 - 400€350 - 460 (for guidance only)$410 - 540 (for guidance only)

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