536

A RUSSIAN ICON The Shuiskaya Mother of God, circa 1690.  In the year 1654 the residents of the town of Shui ordered the prototype of this icon to be painted to help protect them from the plague epidemic.  It is an Odigitriya variant recognizable by the bare, raised right leg of Christ.  The background ornately decorated.  12.5 inches x 11 inches (30.5 cm x 28 cm)  Estimate $1,500-$2,000

537

A RUSSIAN ICON:  The Resurrection and Descent, 19th century, Mstera School.  An exceptional and complex rendering depicting the Easter theme.  Christ releases the righteous men and women from bondage as angels of the Lord bind Hades.  Typical Mstera decorated kovcheg.  14.25 inches x 12.25 inches (36.5 cm x 31 cm)  Estimate $1,800-$2,500

538

A FINE RUSSIAN ICON:  Saints Zosim and Savvatiy, circa 1780.  Here the two Monastic Fathers are shown holding the monastery founded by Zosim at Solovetsk in the 15th century.  Above them the sign Mother of God.  Probably a product of the monastery icon workshop.  Finely painted and in remarkable state of preservation with little damageand no restoration.  14.25 inches x 12.25 inches (36.5 cm x 31 cm) Estimate $1,800-$2,500

539

A RUSSIAN ICON:  The Old Testament Trinity, 19th c.  This icon depicts the Trinity as the three angels who appeared to Abraham at the oak of Mamre, Genesis chapter 18.  At lower left is The Patriarch (Praotets) Abraham.  Behind him in the building (tent) is his wife Sarah.  The borders display five family saints and the Guarding angel.  A larger than average size icon.  17.25 inches x 14.25 inches (44 cm x 37 cm).  Estimate $1,500-$2,000

540

A FINE RUSSIAN ICON:  The Lord Almighty, 19th century.  Here Christ delivers a blessing and holds the Gospels open to Matthew 25:34 "Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you..."  Finely executed in a gold leaf ground with intricate detailing throughout.  A fine icon.  12.25 inches x 10.25 inches  (31 cm x 26 cm)  Estimate $600-$900;

541

A GOOD RUSSIAN ICON: St. Nicholas, 18th century. Here Nicholas is depicted in the traditional manner. He delivers a blessing and holds a book of Gospels. Christ seen within a roundel presents the Gospels to Nicholas while Mary presents his bishop stole. 11.5 inches by 9.75 inches. (29 cm x 25 cm) Estimate $1,000-$1,500

542

A RUSSIAN ICON:  THe Kazan Mother of God, 18th century.  One of the most famous "Miracle working" icons of Russia.  The prototype first appeared in the city of Kazan in the year 1579.  12.25 inches x 10.5 inches (31 cm x 26 cm)  Estimate $1,000-$1,500

543

A RUSSIAN ICON:  The Unburnt Thornbush Mother of God, 18th century.  A very fine and complex icon with a profusion of symbolism in good unaltered condition.  12.25 inches x 10.5 inches (31 cm x 26 cm)  Estimate $1,500-$2,000

544

A RARE RUSSIAN ICON:  The Mother of God of Jerusalem, circa 1680.  Another icon whose prototype is attributed to St. Luke.  The icon was taken as a spoil by the French in 1812 and is now located in Paris.  12.5 inches x 10 inches.  Estimate $1,200-$1,800