Lot 117
AN EXCEPTIONAL RUSSIAN ICON OF CHRIST, FABERGÉ, MOSCOW, CIRCA 1900.  Here Christ is depicted holding a book of Gospels and delivering a blessing. The abbreviated shoulder height inscription identifies him as Господь Вседержитель – The Lord Almighty. It depicts Christ as the ruler or sovereign of the Universe. This title is taken from the book of Revelation 1:8, “I am the Alpha and the Omega says the Lord, Who Is, Who Was and Who is To Come, the Almighty" (Вседержитель). It is often also referred to by its Greek title, Pantocrator (Παντοκράτορα) which also means "Almighty." As typical on these types of personal or traveling icons commissioned by Fabergé, the painting is of the highest quality and in this case most likely executed by an iconographer trained in Mstera or Palekh. The soft graduated background, gilt stippled halo, and extensive use of chrysography all point to a master painter. So, too, does the exceptional miniature detail in which each individual hair is painted. As such one clearly thinks of the painters Chirikov and Gurianov when viewing such a fine specimen. The borders overlaid with a heavy silver riza in the Neo-Byzantine taste, the corners set with sapphire cabochons and the upper border with decorative folding suspension loop. Hallmarked Moscow circa 1908-1917, Cyrillic maker's stamp "К.ФАБЕРЖЕ," beneath the Imperial Warrant, 88 silver standard, and scratched inventory number 23923. Size: 3.8 inches x 2.8 inches (10 x 7.3 cm), including suspension loop. In an excellent state of preservation.
Estimate:  $10,000 - 15,000   € 7,000 - 10,500

Price Realized: $50,000.00