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LOT 2067
Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Saints Boris and Gleb
19TH CENTURY A.D.
4 1/4 in. (260 grams, 10.7 cm).
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.
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. Iljina, T.W., Arcydzieła Malarstwa Rosyjskiego w Muzeach ZSRR (Masterpieces of Russian Painting in the Museums of the USSR, in Polish), Leningrad, 1989, fig.10, for the prototype of this icon.
FootnotesBoris 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.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 2067
Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Saints Boris and Gleb
Estimate £300 - 400€350 - 460 (for guidance only)$410 - 540 (for guidance only)
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Russian Bronze Travel Icon with Madonna and Child
Circa 18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Depicting the Mother of God of Kazan with the Divine Child; the head of Mary slightly turned left towards infant Jesus extending his right hand in blessing; both figures with large haloes and identifying Greek inscriptions 'ΜΡ ΘΥ' (Mother of God) and 'O Ѡ N' (I am); three flowers in the nimbus of the Virgin; knop at the top for the suspension. 34.3 grams, 59 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 original icon prototype of these smaller icons, also known as the Theotokos of Kazan, is thought to have originated in Constantinople in the 13th century before it was taken to Russia. When the Turks took over Kazan in 1438, the icon was most probably hidden to keep it safe. Ivan the Terrible liberated Kazan in 1552, and the town was destroyed by fire in 1579, after which the icon was found and brought to the Church of Saint Nicholas. It was subsequently stolen in 1904 and never found again, though there are many copies in existence. -
Hellenistic Style Agate Cosmetic Dish
20th century A.D. or earlierEstimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Miniature shallow dish with flared sidewall. 13.3 grams, 30 mm
From the private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. -
Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Veneration of the Virgin of Vladimir
19th century A.D.Estimate: £120 - 170 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £60
Representing the Vladimir Mother of God with the Divine Child; the half-length figure Mary with covered head turned right and with her left hand raised; holding the embracing infant Jesus in her right hand; above them inscription in Greek letters 'ΜΡ ΘΥ' (Mother of God); flanking the central icon and beneath it the images of the Saints Peter, Paul, Peter of Moscow and John Chrysostomos, Saint Gregory and Saint Dimitri; in the foreground the city of Vladimir. 96 grams, 60 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 original icon prototype of these smaller icons was the icon of the Virgin Mother of Vladimir with the infant Jesus (the original preserved in the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow), probably the most famous icon of Russia, which was thought to have been created in Constantinople in the early part of 1100s. This image is sometimes referred to as the ‘tenderness icon’, with artists attempting to show the close relationship of mother and son with their cheeks touching as they embrace.
