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231 |
A RUSSIAN ICON: The Crucifixion, first half of the 19th century, Nevyansk
region. At center the Crucified Christ. He is flanked by the standard
crucifixion scene figures: the two Mary's, the Apostle John and the Roman
Centurion, and in this example Cosmos & Damian. At the upper left corner
is St. Nicholas, upper right St. Uarl, lower left St. Antipas, and lower
right an image of the Seeker of the Lost Mother of God. The borders with
Vasily the Great and Feodosia. A large and complex icon. 17.25 inches x
14.5 inches (44.6 cm x 37 cm). Estimate $1,500-$2,500 |
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232 |
AN INTERESTING RUSSIAN ICON: Saint John of Damascus, circa 1890. It is
said that in the 8th century, the noted anti-iconoclast John of Damascus
was in the service of the Caliph of that city. The iconoclast Byzantine
Emperor Leo attempted to alienate John's employer with forged letters in
John's handwriting which urged Leo to attack the Caliph. These forgeries
were accepted by the Caliph, who had John's hand cut off as punishment.
John took his severed hand to an icon of the Mother of God and prayed to
be healed so that he might continue to write against the iconoclasts. The
Mother of God heard his prayer and promised to heal him if he would
compose hymns to her and to Christ. In gratitude for his healing, John had
a commemorative silver hand affixed to the lower part of the image. Later
painters, copying this image, often misunderstood the added hand and made
it a third hand of the Mother of God. This icon illustrates this story.
The original icon with the silver hand affixed to it is still kept at the
Serbian Monastery of Khilandari on Mt. Athos. 12.25 inches x 10.25 inches
(31 cm x 26.5 cm). Estimate $800-$1,200 |
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233 |
A LARGE RUSSIAN ICON: The Month of January, 18th century. Finely painted
in miniature and illustrating all the events and saints celebrated in the
month of January. 17.25 inches x 14.75 inches (44 cm x 37.5 cm). Estimate
$2,000-$3,000 |
