Loading, please wait...
Details
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.
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. 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.
Footnotes
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.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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 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)
RELATED LOTS
-
Seal Matrix with Saints
18th-19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £494
A lead-alloy reproduction of a Medieval seal discoid in plan with incuse design of two robed and nimbate figures on a field of scrolled tendrils; left, St. Michael with drawn sword and right, St. Peter with key; incuse reversed Lombardic script legend to the border ' + SIGILLVM CAPITVLI SANCTI PAVLI IN LAVUNT' (chief seal of St Paul in ?). 205 grams, 74 mm
Private collection, UK. -
Engraved Gold and Black Enamel Memento Mori Ring
19th century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £310
With D-section tapering hoop, black enamel finish with reserved rosettes and tendrils, the bezel an ornate heater shield with reserved text 'In memory OE' and copperplate engraving to the inner face '1852 / obt.63', 'Mrs.Sarah Hems, obt.26 May' and stamped assay marks: crown, '18', leopard's head, gothic 'k' in octagonal panel (dated to 1845). 4.14 grams, 22.74 mm overall, 17.43 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an East Sussex collector. -
Post Medieval Coptic Silvered Cross Pendant
Ethiopia, 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
Cross botonny with suspension loop, ring-and-dot to centre of obverse. 18.3 grams, 50 mm
From an old Lincoln, UK, collection, 1950s-1970s. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
The pectoral cross, also called the neck cross, is much smaller in the Orthodox Ethiopian world (and in general in all Orthodox world) than both the processional and the priests' cross. These crosses, secured by a blue string or cord, adorn the necks of the faithful. Many people receive their pectoral cross at baptism. They are made from a range of materials: bronze, silver, iron, horn, and occasionally gold. The richness of ornaments and the complex structure of Ethiopian crosses give a picture of an extraordinary culture, that of one of the world’s oldest Christian societies. The ornaments and forms of the crosses of Ethiopia are unique and instantly recognisable.
