Lot 519
A RUSSIAN ICON OF SAINT SERAPHIM OF SAROV, CIRCA 1903. Saint Seraphim (1759-1833) was the most renowned 19th century Russian saint. At the age of 66, Seraphim began his career as a spiritual elder (Russian Satretz). Emerging from his trial of prayer and vigil, he turned to the suffering world as a healer, visionary and spiritual master of unusual vigor and radiance. He was known as a hard but compassionate taskmaster who taught that every man could achieve Christian perfection in his ordinary life through the practice of prayer, especially the Jesus Prayer: 'Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a miserable sinner.' In this icon he is depicted holding a chotki (prayer rope) upon which he said the Jesus Prayer. In the upper left corner is an image of the Mother of God like that on his favorite icon which Seraphim called his 'Joy of Joys.' In the background is his monastery, as it looked at the time of his glorification (canonization) on July 19, 1903, due in large part to the insistence of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. On the day of Seraphim’s canonization, Nicholas II and other Sovereigns carried the coffin containing his relics to its resting-place. Seraphim was revered by the Royal family, and it is known that in the office of Nicholas II hung an icon portraying the beloved saint. The abbreviated inscription below reads, 'The Holy Venerable Seraphim of Sarov, Wonderworker.' This icon was most likely acquired by a pilgrim at Sarov. The verso exhibits a vinatage inscription which reads …… Some losses.12.25 inches x 10.5 inches (31cm x 26.5cm).
Estimate:  $750 - 1,000   € 563 - 750

Price Realized: $480.00