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Attributed to MIKHAIL IVANOVICH SKOTTI (Russian 1814-1861) St. Sergiy of Radonezh and St. Hilarion the Great - circa 1850's. Oil on canvas, Unsigned, 61 inches x 21 inches (each) (155 x 53 cm). Estimate $2,500-$3,000St. Sergiy of Radonezh was the founder of the famous Holy Trinity Monastery north of Moscow. He is depicted here wearing the Great Skema, a sign of his high monastic achievements. Here he delivers a blessing with his righ hand while his left hand holds an open scroll inscribed in Old Church Slavonic and which begins "Do not fall, therefore, brothers, but think thus, that if it is the will of God.". The gilt inscription rendered in an abbreviated and highly stylized form of Old Church Slavonic identifies him as "The Holy Sergiy of Radonezh Wonderworker".St. Hilarion (Ilarion) was a disciple of St. Anthony of Egypt. He eventually became for Palestine what St. Anthony was for Egypt. He was a divine teacher, a strict ascetic and a marvelous wonderworker. Here he is depicted with his right hand to his heart and carrying a scroll upon which is written "Be diligent about your souls, I beseech you brothers and sisters, during the present age so that you will enjoy eternal life." ATTRIBUTED: On the basis of style, the work can be ascribed to the artist. However, there is less certainty as to authorship, and the attribution is not a guarantee of authenticity.