506

A LARGE AND UNUSUAL RUSSIAN ICON: O VSEPYETAYA MATI, 19th century, Ural School. At center the Mother of God type called "O All-Hymned Mother" - O Vsepyetaya Mati. The central image surrounded by 24 various images related to the Mother of God beginning with her birth. Immediately flanking the left and right central image are Old Testament Prophets who foretold the of the Mother of God. An interesting and complex icon apparently based primarily on the Akathist Canon. 34 inches x 27 inches (86.5 x 69 cm). Estimate $3,000-$5,000

507

A RUSSIAN ICON: Saint Nicholas with Life Scenes; circa 1890. The central section with a traditional depiction of Nicholas and surrounded by 12 scenes from his life beginning in the upper left corner with his birth and concluding in the lower right hand corner with the transportation of his relics. 20.75 inches x 17.75 inches (53 x 45 cm). Estimate $1800-$2200

508

A RUSSIAN ICON: The Undestructible Wall Mother of God; circa 1890; probably Nevyansk (Ural Region). This type derives its title from the 12th (House) of the Akathist Canon - 'Rejoice; indestructible wall of the kingdom.' In each corner a roundel with a Mother of God type clockwise from upper left: The Kazan Mother of God; The Birth of the Mother of God; The Feodorov Mother of God; and The Tikhvin Mother of God. At top center Christ amongst seraphim and cherubim delivering a blessing; two angels crown the Mother of God; and on both sides the Virgin flanked with a gathering of 16 female saints including Irina; Ekatarina; Barbara; and others. An interesting; albeit somewhat provincial; rendering of this less frequently encountered icon type with interesting variations. The upper border inscribed in Slavonic 'The Image of the Indestructible Wall Most Holy Mother of God'. 28.25 inches x 22 inches (71 x 55.5 cm). Estimate $2000-$3000