70

A VERY FINE RUSSIAN ICON: The Konevskaya Mother of God, 18th century, probably the Tsars icon workshop. The Konevskaya icon was brought to Russia from Mt. Athos by Saint Arseny the Wonderworker in the year 1393. It was later kept in the Koevskiy Monastery on the island of Konev in Lake Ladoga. This composition is very similar to another miracle-working icon called the Golubinskaya. It derives its name from the dove (Russian - golub). The overall quality of the offered lot is of the highest level with gold glazes and single hair gilt decoration. The Slavonic inscription over the Virgin's right shoulder identifies her as the "Konevskaya". 11.75 inches by 10 inches.

Estimate $2,000-$3,000

71

A RUSSIAN ICON: The Transfiguration, circa 1800. At top center Christ within a mandrola atop Mt. Tabor. He is flanked by Elijah (left) and Moses (right), see Matthew 17:1-9. Below the disciples Peter, John and James fall to earth in awe of the sight. The upper margin inscribed in Slavonic PREOBRAZHENIE GOSPODNE (Transfiguration of the Lord). One of the twelve major feast days, the Transfiguration is celebrated on August 6th (old calendar), August 19th (new calendar). A very fine icon. 13.25 inches by 11.25 inches.

Estimate $1,250-$1,750

72

A FINE RUSSIAN ICON: The Vladimir Mother of God, 18th century. A lovely old icon in exceedingly good state of preservation. 12.25 inches by 10.5 inches.

Estimate $2,000-$3,000

73

AN IMPRESSIVE ICON: The Extended Deisis, circa 1800. The enthroned Christ flanked by the Virgin (left) and John the Forerunner (right) together with St. John the Evangelist, St. Peter, St. Paul, and St. Andrew. At the feet of Christ are St. Zosima and St. Savattiy. The entire image overlaid with an ornate silvered repoussé riza. 15.25 inches by 13.5 inches.

Estimate $1,250-$1,750

74

A FINE OLD RUSSIAN ICON: The Vladimir Mother of God, circa 1680. An endearing image of this popular "Tenderness" image. 11 inches by 9.5 inches.

Estimate $1,250-$1,750

75

A LARGE AND IMPRESSIVE ICON: The Coronation of the Virgin, circa 1800. Although not an event celebrated in the Orthodox Church, this Catholic-influenced image became quite popular throughout Russia in the 18th century. The offered icon depicts the Holy Trinity placing a crown upon the Virgin Mary. The inscription along the upper border reads "The Image of the Coronation of the Most Holy Mother of God". Overlaid with an elaborate repoussé riza with traces of silver. 17 inches by 13.5 inches.

Estimate $1,250-$1,750

76

A SCARCE RUSSIAN ICON: The Miracle of the Archangel Michael at Khonae, 18th century. In early Christian times there was a church at a place called Khonae which was faithfully watched over by the priest Arkhippus. Local pagans did not like the church being there, so they conceived a plan to destroy it. To accomplish their gola they diverted two streams so that they would flood and overwhelm the building. Seeing the great flood of water rushing towards the church, Arkhippus prayed for intercession. In response to his prayers, the Archangel Michael appeared. He struck a rock with his lance thus creating a great cavern that swallowed up the onrushing flood, subsequently the church was saved. In this icon, the Archangel Michael is shown at left striking the rock and creating a cavern. The church is depicted at right with the sacristan, and later Saint Archippus kneeling. The two streams of water are shown flowing down the hills on both the left and right. God the Father delivers a blessing from top center. The inscription on the top border identifies the subject as "The Image of the Miracle of the Archangel Michael at Khonae". Although well-known, this subject is less frequently encountered, especially of the quality offered here. 14 inches by 10.75 inches.

Estimate $2,000-$3,000