Lot 496

A LARGE AND IMPORTANT SIGNED RUSSIAN ICON: The New Testament Trinity, Eliya Yakovlev, 1843. Here God the Father at right is seated beside God the Son (Christ) at left. Between them a globe symbolizing the Cosmos and surmounted by the traditional Russian "eight-sided" cross. Above them the Holy Spirit appears as a dove. The overall painting is of the highest quality. The lower right corner clearly signed: "This Holy Image was Painted on the 15th Day of May by Iconographer Eliya Yakovlev, St. Petersburg". A large and impressive icon most likely from the home or private chapel of a wealthy merchant. 23x28 inches.

Estimate $3,000-$5,000

Lot 497

A RUSSIAN ICON: Saints Peter and Paul, circa 1890. On the left the Apostle Peter, on the right Paul, behind them the Holy Land and above Christ delivering a blessing. The borders ornately inscribed and colorfully decorated against a gold leaf ground. The icon set in a hand carved custom fitted kiot. Overall dimensions including kiot 23x16.5 inches.

Estimate    $1,750-$2,500

Lot 498

A FINE RUSSIAN ICON: Saint Seraphim of Sarov, circa 1903. Here the famous and much loved 19th century Starets is seen walking through the wilderness he loved. In his left hand can be seen his prayer rope (chotki) on which he would pray unceasingly the Jesus prayer - GOSPODI IISUSE KHRISTE SUINE BOZHIY POMILUI MYA GRYESHNAGO - "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Have Mercy on Me, a Sinner". The entire image overlaid with a finely engraved silver-gilt riza with applied cloisonné halo and corners. The title engraved at center on the lower margin "The Holy Venerable Seraphim of Sarov Wonderworker". Hallmarked Moscow circa 1899-1908 and Cyrillic makers mark "S.G." probably Sergiy Gupkin. Contained in a beautifully hand carved custom fitted kiot. Overall dimensions including kiot 23x18 inches.

Estimate   $2,000-$3,000

Lot 499

A SIGNED RUSSIAN ICON: The Last Supper, 19th century. Here Christ and the 12 Apostles are gathered around the table. They look on as Christ blesses the bread. A large chalice of wine rests atop the table. The Apostle Judas can be easily identified at mid lower left, he holds a bag of silver coins and his head has no halo. All the other Apostles are clearly identified by their names which are inscribed in their halo. The circular shape suggests that this icon was once located above the Royal Doors in an iconostasis. The lower margin is signed in Cyrillic "M. Gololobov". Exceedingly high quality of painting. Diameter 14 inches.

Estimate   $1,750-$2,500