|
60
A RARE RUSSIAN PRESENTATION-STYLE TRIPTYCH: The Vladimir Mother
of God with Saints, 19th/20th century. It would appear that this
triptych was produced for some special occasion at the beginning of the
20th century, perhaps in connection with the Romanov Tercentennial,
circa 1914. The central icon depicts the Vladimir Mother of God. While
the Vladimir icon dates to the third quarter of the 19th century, the
style is unmistakably 17th century. There are a number of examples from
the famous Korin collection, which depict icons with similarly engraved
riza, tsata and basma all dating to the 17th century. The left wing of
the triptych depicts Saint Vladimir, the Kievan Prince who is credited
with bringing Christianity to Russia. On the right wing is his mother
Princess Olga. The top left and right wing form the Annunciation image
and the upper central image depicts the New Testament Trinity image.
While the central Vladimir icon is without question 19th century, it
would appear that the wings, and upper central section are by another
hand and from a later period, (first part of the 20th century). The
style of the wings and surrounds is in keeping with the 17th century
style and is in someways similar to works from the two icon painting
villages Northeast of Moscow, Palekh and Mstera, although perhaps more
in keeping with the earlier Stoganov style. This practice was not
uncommon particularly if the main (central) icon was of some sentimental
or historical significance and later on the owner commissions a
receptacle for the treasured heirloom. A large and impressive triptych.
18.5"x22"(open). Estimate
$15,000-$20,000
Numerous examples of similar triptych forms and ornametnation exist in
the Korin collection see: V. I. Antonova, “Old Russian Art From the
Pavel Korin Collection”, Iskusstvo Publishing, Moscow 1955, plate 70.
Triptych form, riza, haloes and tsata, plate 75. Engraving on riza,
plate 93 tsata and halo of Virgin, plate 99 overall style and
ornamentation and plate 100 for its similar basma.
61
A PAIR OF RARE RUSSIAN ICONS: Let All That Breathe Praise the
Lord and The Terrible Judgment, 19th century. On the left the icon of
"Praise the Lord" which narrates the words from Psalms 148,
149 and 150 with the title taken from Psalm 150. At top within a circle
of light and surrounded by angels is the Lord Sabaoth. Below and also
within a circle of light is Christ enthroned and clothed as a King,
holding the Gospels open to Matthew 11:28. Behind Christ the Archangels
Michael and Gabriel. To his left the Mother of God, to his right, John
the Forerunner. At each corner of the circle are symbols of the four
Evangelists. The Heavens are represented by a starry arch with angels
blowing trumpets. In the mid central region the mountains and the sky
filled with birds and the earth with various types of trees and a
multitude of animals, "Mountains and all hills, fruitful trees and
all cedars. Beasts and all cattle, serpents and all feathered
fowls" (Psalm 150 verse 9 and 10). The sides with rows of persons
including those mentioned in Psalms: kings, princes, judges, young men,
maidens, children and elders are all admonished to "Praise the
Lord." The borders with the Holy Martyr Basilisk, Zinoida, Isadore,
John Chrysostom, Theognes and Julita and Kirik. A large and complex icon
of an extremely rare subject. 35"x39" (each). Together with
"The Terrible Judgment" icon. On the right, the Strasnuiy Sud
or "Terrible Judgment." At top center is the Lord Sabaoth.
Below within a circle of light is Christ holding the Gospels open to
Matthew 11:28. The Mother of God and John the Forerunner are on either
side forming a modified Deisis. At each side the twelve Apostles join
Christ in judging humanity (Matthew 19:28). Below Christ is the altar
covered with the mantle of Christ, on which is opened the Book of Life
containing the deeds of all the people. Six angels surround the altar
and hold open the book. Below, a naked human awaits the weighing of his
good and bad deeds in the Scales of Judgment. A demon tries to weigh the
scales against the soul being judged. Angels blow trumpets calling all
to judgment. The earth gives up the dead. To the mid left, the blessed
enter Paradise as St. Peter unlocks the door to admit them. At the lower
right corner, the wicked (including bishops, priests and kings) are
driven into the Jaws of Hell by demons. There Satan is seated holding
the soul of Judas shown holding a money bag. A great serpent with rings
along its length winds up from Hell. Each ring is inscribed with a
specific sin. Together the rings comprise the so-called
"tollhouse" through which the departed soul passes, being
examined at each for the sin it represents. At the base are chambers in
which humans suffer the various "tortures" of Hades. The
borders with the same saints as the previous icon. It would seem likely
that this pair of icons were commissioned by a family for installation
in a local church. A rare offering. 35"x19".
Estimate
$10,000-$15,000
|
