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LOT 2090
Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Saints Zosima and Sabbas
CIRCA 1820 A.D.
3 1/2 in. (108 grams, 88 mm).
Depicting Saint Zosima and Saint Sabbas in front of the Solovetsky Monastery; both nimbate and dressed inAbbot’s garments, holding the model of the monastery offered to God, represented in the sky as a dove upon a cloud; arabesque frame; inscriptions in Old Slavonic with the names of the saints.
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. Matthieson, S., Morrison, G., Heavenly Beings, Icons of the Christian Orthodox World, Auckland, 2022, p.66, for a similar icon.
FootnotesSaints Zosima and Sabbas or Sabbatius were highly venerated Orthodox saints, founders of the Solovetsky Monastery, a fortified monastery located in the White Sea in Northern Russia. This double portrait shows Zosima and Sabbas holding up a model of their religious institution, which resembles a small medieval city. Solovetsky Monastery obtained big investments from the city of Novgorod and established itself as one of the richest monasteries in Russia.
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LOT 2090
Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Saints Zosima and Sabbas
Estimate £120 - 170€140 - 200 (for guidance only)$160 - 230 (for guidance only)
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Icon with Riza of Entrance to Jerusalem
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Painted on a wooden board and covered with a brass riza, with mounting panel to the reverse, depicting the entrance of Christ in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday riding a donkey; crowd within the city wall; followers of Christ in the gateway; Christ with golden nimbus and letters 'ω', 'C' reversed and 'Н'; Greek script title above reciting: 'Η ΒΑΙΦΟΡΟC (Βαϊοφόρος)' (the one who is riding the mule); the background with rocks, tree and the walls of Jerusalem; arabesque decoration to the borders and corners; accompanied by a wooden stand. 762 grams total including stand, Icon: 30.5 x 22.5 cm
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