Lot 491

A RARE SET OF FEAST DAY ICONS, Palekh School, circa 1890. Each icon masterfully painted by the same hand and executed in the traditional Old Style. Each executed on a gold leaf found and with gilt title inscriptions along the upper margin. Feast day icon sets such as the offered lot were usually commissioned for the iconostasis of a small church or private chapel of a wealthy person. The iconostasis or (image stand-Greek) is the large framework inset with rows of icons, forming a solid screen or wall between the congregation and the altar in Russian churches. The center of the iconostasis on the ground level is comprised of the Tsarskiye Dveri "Tsars Doors", also called the Royal Gates (Tsarskiy Vrata). To the left is a large icon of the Mother of God (see Lot #501) and to the right an icon of Christ and another icon of the Saint or event to which the church is dedicated. Other unspecified icons are found in this first row of "local icons". The second or sometimes third row up from the floor is where the major feasts (prazdniki) icons are displayed, such as the offered icons. The offered lot consists of 14 major feast day icons: 1. The Presentation of the Mother of God in the Temple 2. The Annunciation 3. The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ 4. The Meeting of the Lord 5. The Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ 6. The Transfiguration of the Lord 7. The Entry Into Jerusalem (note that the donkey upon which Christ rides, is not touching the ground but rather appears suspended). 8. The Resurrection of Christ 9. The Ascension of the Lord 10. The Descent of the Holy Spirit 11. The Dormition of the Mother of God12. The Cutting Off of the Head of the Holy Prophet John the Forerunner 13. The Fiery Ascension of the Elijah the Prophet 14. The Elevation of the Cross Each icon in a very fine state of preservation, and each measuring 10.5x12.25 inches. In over 10 years, this is the first complete set we have ever seen. A spectacular set of 19th century Feast Day icons of exceedingly high quality.

Estimate      $20,000-$25,000