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LOT 1984
Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Saint Nicholas
19TH CENTURY A.D.
4 1/4 in. (348 grams, 10.7 cm).
Representing Saint Nicholas of Myra with a book 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 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 colours, 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 1984
Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Saint Nicholas
Estimate £150 - 200€170 - 230 (for guidance only)$200 - 270 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£70 (EUR 81; USD 95) +BP*
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Georgian Gold Ring with Renaissance Cameo of a Muse
16th-18th century A.D.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
Comprising a D-section hoop and a large fluted bezel set with a cameo depicting a female profile bust, her hair pulled to a chignon at the nape of her neck, with two loose strands elegantly resting on her shoulder. 11.70 grams, 27.74 mm overall, 18.38 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13319-257965.
This refined bust captures the timeless elegance of ancient iconography: delicate profile turned to the left, hair held by a chignon and diadem allowing the locks to escape and forming braids. The cameo is Italian and dates to the 16th century, the ring is 18th century. -
Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Extended Deesis
19th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
Depicting Deesis with Jesus at the centre, Saint Mary on the left and Saint John the Baptist on the right; Jesus seated upon a throne, depicted with the open Gospel in his left hand and raising his right hand in blessing; Mary, with veiled head and mantle, wearing a maphorion mantle over an embroidered robe and holding a scroll; the Deesis surrounded by a theory of saints, with Saint Zosima and Saint Sabbas making the Proskynesis in front of the Christ; Old Slavic inscription above the figures: 'ΙC ΧΡ' (Jesus Christ). 67 grams, 64 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 Deisis or Deesis (Деисус, Gk. for “supplication”) was the depiction of the Virgin, John the Baptist and possibly other saints interceding with Christ on behalf of mankind. -
Late Renaissance Double-Sided Heliotrope Cameo of Christ and the Virgin in Gold Ring
Italy, 17th century A.D.Estimate: £3,500 - 4,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,750
Comprising a dark green oval cameo with bright red flecks, on the upper side, a veiled head of Mary with a solemn expression, the underside featuring a classical depiction of bearded Jesus with long hair and wearing a draped garment; set in a substantial gold ring with a wide hoop. 15.59 grams, 25.53 mm overall, 16.26 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)
Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13390-257998.
It was believed that the scarlet flecks in the stone were the blood of Christ, hence its popular use for the subject of Christ throughout the Middle Ages until the 19th century.
