Lot 20
A LARGE AND IMPRESSIVE ICON OF THE LAST SUPPER, CIRCLE OF VICTOR VASNETSOV (1848-1926), CIRCA 1890. The тайная (Mystic) вечеря (Supper) is the Last Supper, the meal, recorded in chapter 22 of the Gospel of St. Luke and elsewhere. At center Christ is shown giving thanks and blessing the wine and bread before him. He is surrounded by His 12 disciples all of whom have a halo around their head with the exception of Judas (lower left) who also clutches a money bag in his right hand. The icon is painted on a metal (probably copper) support and contained in an ornate repoussé gilt metal frame with cloisonné enameled decorative elements executed in the Neo-Russian style which borrowed heavily from traditional Byzantine art and architecture. The as yet identified artist was, without question, familiar with the works of Vasnetsov and the work flowing out of the Abramtsevo Colony northeast of Moscow which Vasnetsov was instrumental in developing. The large size and ornate frame would strongly suggest that the offered lot was once part of an elaborate iconostasis in a significant church and possibly above the Royal Doors as this subject was commonly placed in that location. Overall size including frame, 28 inches x 38.25 inches (71 x 96.5 cm).
Estimate:  $15,000 - 25,000   € 10,500 - 17,500

Price Realized: $262,500.00

Comparison: An icon depicting Saints Peligia and Saint John Klimakos, likely painted by the same hand and contained in an identical frame of identical proportions to the offered lot was sold at Sotheby’s London sale of December 1, 2009, as lot 709 attributed to Vasily Petrovich Vereshchagin (1835-1909) and as having been salvaged from the renowned Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. It sold for £445,250 ($712,400.00).