LOT 372
check for more images below, if available
Lot 372
A RARE COPY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AS PREPARED BY ST. ALEXIS, METROPOLITAN OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA. PHOTO TYPE EDITION BY LEONTIUS, METROPOLITAN OF MOSCOW, MOSCOW UNIVERSITY PRESS, 1892. Complete with all pages and retaining the as issued vintage replica cover of the original, overlaid with a profusion of seed pearls and further embellished with cloisonné enameled decorative plaques set with paste stones on both front and back, additionally cloisonné enameled clasps, and on the spine champlevé enamel title plaques. 9.25 inches x 7 inches (23.5 x 17.5 cm).
Estimate:
$800 - 1,200
€ 616 - 924
The offered lot represents a true and faithful copy of Metropolitan Saint Alexis of Moscow’s (1296-1378) handwritten copy of the New Testament as translated from the original Greek into common Russian. The volume is comprised of 182 pages, of which 173 are printed from photographs of the original Slavonic handwritten pages as inscribed by Alexis and are bound in a faithful replica of the Gospel’s present covers. In the preface written by Metropolitan Leontius (1891-1893), a brief history of the origins of the original as well as his reasons for producing the copy is provided, and it is mentioned that the first copy was placed on the grave of St. Sergiy of Radonezh who was a close associate of Saint Alexis. It is not known exactly how many copies of this book were produced or for whom. However, judging by the elaborate covers and expensive printing process, one can surmise that such copies were produced in limited numbers and intended as special gifts from Metropolitan Leontius, perhaps to his brothers in the Episcopacy.
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.