World Treasures- Russian, Asian, European & American Works
May 22nd & 23rd, 2012
Day One - Lots 1-537
Day Two - Lots 538-1007
 
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LOT 55
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Lot 55
A FINE AND IMPORTANT RUSSIAN PRESENTATION ICON OF ST. ALEXIS, 1ST ARTEL, MOSCOW 1908-1917. Within an arched reserve a naturally rendered half-length image of the Moscow Metropolitan Saint Alexis who delivers a blessing and holds a book of Gospels. Overlaid with an elaborate multi-piece chased and silver gilt riza with ornate champlevé enamel borders interspersed with cabochon decorative elements similar to the halo and title plaque and with raised outer border. Verso backed in blue velvet with folding silver strut and with an outline of a once present presentation plaque, now absent. Hallmarked Moscow, 1908-1917, makers mark of the 1st Artel and 84 silver standard. 8” x 6” (20.5 x 15.4 cm). An exceptional icon in every way.
Estimate:  $10,000 - 15,000   € 7,000 - 10,500
Price Realized: $22,800.00

Comparison:
For a nearly identical riza see: Fabio Ciofi degli Atti, Faberge’ and the Art of the Goldsmith in the Court, Genoa, 1992, Columbus Edition, page 96, depicting an personal icon of the Smolensk Mother of God in a nearly identical frame by the firm of Sazikov and presented to Tsar Alexander II the year before his ascension to the throne in 1854.(see illustration).


It is well known that the Tsarevich Alexei Nikolaevich (1904-1918) was the frequent recipient of elaborate icons depicting the Metropolitan Saint Alexis. Considering the unique design of the 1854 presentation icon, it seems likely that the former was used as a model for another icon, such as the offered lot, to be presented to the heir apparent of the Russian throne, Alexis Nikolaevich Romanov. Certainly the period of the offered lot’s production would correspond to such a hypothesis as would the obvious connection between the two very distinct riza and the evidence of a presentation plaque on the verso.



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