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LOT 2057
Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Saint Nicholas
19TH CENTURY A.D.
4 3/4 in. (341 grams, 12.1 cm).
Representing Saint Nicholas of Mira, with a Gospel in his left hand and making the gesture of blessing with his right, dressed as a bishop, with sticharion, covered by omophorion, and surmounted by an epitrachelion, all embroidered with crosses; the saint flanked by Jesus and Virgin Mary, Christ holding the Gospel, Mary the bishop’s epitrachelion; Cyrillic inscriptions 'Saint Nikolaos the Wonderworker (СВЯТЫЙ НИКОЛА ЧУДОТВОРЕЦ), Iesus Christos (ΙΣ ΧC) and Mother of God (ΜΡ ΘΥ)' on the enamelled background.
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.25819.156, p.67, for similar iconography.
FootnotesThe icon features meticulous craftsmanship typical of Orthodox iconography. The enamel colors, despite the passage of time, retain their vibrant intensity, highlighting the key elements of the depicted images. The refined details and use of enamel give depth and luminosity to the icon, making it a precious example of the Russian Orthodox tradition.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 2057
Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Saint Nicholas
Estimate £300 - 400€350 - 460 (for guidance only)$410 - 540 (for guidance only)
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Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Saint John the Baptist
19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
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. 190 grams, 11.8 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.
John 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. -
Eastern European Bronze Folding Triptych Icon of the Mother of God 'Joy of All Who Sorrow'
Circa 1850's A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
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. 85 grams, 90 mm
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.
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. -
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.
