World Treasures: Important Russian, Asian, European & American Works
June 3rd & 4th, 2014
auction closed


 
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LOT 4
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Lot 4
A FINE RUSSIAN ICON OF SAINTS SAMON, GURIY AND AVIV, MSTERA, POSSIBLY ALEXANDER TSEPKOV, CIRCA 1886. Executed within an arched reserve and at top, a finely painted icon of the Smolensk Mother of God held aloft by angels atop highly stylized clouds. Below, three full length images of the patron saints for fidelity and marriage, Samon, Guriy and the Deacon Aviv. The borders painted with the Guardian Angel, the Holy Martyr Claudius, Saint Nicholas and the Holy Righteous Glaphira. The entire icon overlaid with a gilded silver repoussé and chased riza hallmarked Moscow, dated 1886, Cyrillic maker’s mark IG, and 84 silver standard. 12.3 inches x 10.5 inches (31 x 26.5 cm).
Estimate:  $4,000 - 7,000   € 2,800 - 4,900
Price Realized: $125,000.00

This icon is a fine example of the type produced at the end of the 19th century in the various icon workshops which had earned the Imperial Warrant. These icons are noted for their exceptional attention to detail. They are sometimes referred to as “magnifying glass” icons, for to appreciate the minute detail one is almost required to use a magnifying glass. Each hair on each head of each figure is individually painted, often with a single-hair brush. The work is excruciating on the painter’s eyes. Consequently these icons took much longer to produce than others.

All items are sold “AS IS” and there will be no returns based on condition. The items sold are often of considerable age and will exhibit wear, usage and damage often not listed in the catalog entry. The absence of condition remarks in the catalog entry DOES NOT mean the item is in perfect condition. Prospective buyers are in ALL CASES responsible for determining the physical condition of lots. No employee or agent of Jackson's International Auctioneers and Appraisers is authorized to make on our behalf or on that of the consignor any representation or warranty, oral or written, with respect to any property. Therefore, if a prospective bidder has not examined the property to their satisfaction before the sale, or his/her agent has not inspected the property, Jackson's recommends that they not bid on the property. All dimensions are approximate. The condition of frames is not guaranteed.