535

A RUSSIAN ICON: Saint George Slaying the Dragon; circa 1890. 8.75 inches x 7 inches (22.5 x 17.5 cm). Estimate $750-$1000

536

A RUSSIAN ICON: St. John the Forerunner (Baptist); circa 1890. At center a full-length image of the saint bearing wings. The wings derive from the double meaning of the Greek word used to described John in the Gospel of Mark 1:2-Angelos; which means both messenger and angel. Here he holds a diskos (Eucharistic footed dish) containing the infant Christ; symbolizing the Lamb of God of the Eucharist. He holds a scroll with the text adapted from John 1:29 'Behold the Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world'. He is surrounded by four scenes from his life. At lower left the birth of John; upper left an angel leading John into the wilderness 'There to remain until he comes of age'; lower right the beheading of John the Baptist; upper right the finding of the honorable head of John the Forerunner. A finely painted icon; perhaps by a Palekh-trained artist. 12.25 inches x 10.5 inches (31.5 x 26.5 cm). Estimate $1200-$1800

537

A RUSSIAN ICON: Saint Nicholas; 20th century. Overlaid with an earlier spectacular gilded silver and repousse riza and halo; dated 1793 and with Cyrillic makers mark 'NS'. 12 inches x 10.5 inches (30.5 x 27 cm). Estimate $500-$800