LOT 66A
check for more images below, if available
Lot 66A
A VERY FINE RUSSIAN ICON OF SAINT KOSMA, MOSCOW CIRCA 1908-1917. Naturalistically painted, he holds a cross in his right hand, a symbol of his martyrdom and in his left hand he holds a box of medicine. The icon is overlaid with an exquisite multi-piece gilded silver and finely engraved riza with ornate halo of shaded enamel on a cream ground with gilt rope twist wire borders and champlevé enamel title plaques. His cloak worked in gilded repossue silver with engraved mat finish and with burnished gold edging and highlights. The enameled shoulder height applied plaques identify him as SVATUIY KOSMA BEZSREBRENNIK, meaning, The Holy Kosmas the Unmercenary or literally, without silver (bezsrebrennik) so called because he accepted no payment for his medical services. Hallmarked Moscow, circa 1908-1917 and with Cyrillic makers mark SG, and with 84 silver standard. The verso backed in velvet and with evidence of a once present engraved presentation plaque, now absent. 10.5 inches x 8.75 inches (26.5cm x 22cm).
Estimate:
$5,000 - 8,000
€ 3,500 - 5,600
More than a few collectors have wondered just who it is that is behind the frequently encountered and exceptionally crafted icon covers which display the Cyrillic maker’s mark of SG and that are found on icons dating from circa 1890-1917. Some have suggested the Moscow silversmith Semeon Galkin while others have proposed a member of the noted family firm Gubkin. Whoever the talented artisan was, one thing is certain, his extraordinary icon covers (riza or oklad) can be found on icons of the highest quality and design as well as those gifted to the aristocracy.
There are three Saint Kosma’s celebrated on the Church calendar. All three had brothers named Damian who were also saints and all six are venerated as unmercenanry physicians.
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.