Loading, please wait...
LOT 1979
Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Saint John the Baptist
19TH CENTURY A.D.
4 5/8 in. (190 grams, 11.8 cm).
With blue champlevé enamel, depicting Saint John the Baptist, portrayed as an elderly man, wearing a camel-skin robe; his left hand holding a scroll with the prophecy of Isaiah, while the right hand is raised in blessing gesture; at the top, Old Slavic Inscription ‘Saint John the Precursor’ (Иоа́нн Предте́ча); pseudo-vegetal background with abstract decorations.
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.25819.083, p.50, for similar iconography.
FootnotesJohn the Baptist is called ‘the Precursor’ because his evangelical mission was to prepare the way for Jesus Christ, announcing his imminent arrival and calling people to repentance and welcome the Messiah. His role as a ‘forerunner prophet’ makes him the link between the Old and New Testaments, as he prophesied the coming of Christ and baptised him in the Jordan River. He was considered the highest among the prophets in the hierarchy of saints of the Orthodox Church.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 1979
Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Saint John the Baptist
Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
-
Post Medieval 'Parker Family' Oak Heraldic Shield
Circa 19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £8
With raised border, comprising three advancing hinds, fess with three broad arrow heads, pointing downwards, possibly for the Parker family. 287 grams, 21 cm
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Nottinghamshire, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Chinese Archaic Style Bronze Vessel
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Drum-shaped pan with ring to the equator and three curved legs, square loops to the rim, domed lid with three loops; dense low-relief cloud pattern. 2.66 kg, 25.5 cm wide
Ex West Country, UK, collection, 1990s, and Desmond Morris. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Saints Boris and Gleb
19th century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
Saint Boris and Saint Gleb depicted on horseback wearing Russian medieval armour, holding a cross standard and a sword, each wearing a conical helmet; on the right upper corner, the hand of God. 260 grams, 10.7 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.
Boris and Gleb were the sons of Vladimir of Kyiv, the first Christian Prince of Rus; they were killed in 1015 and 1019 in the civil struggles for the succession to the throne, and sanctified for their faith. Standards with their image were worn by the medieval Russian army.
