117            RUSSIAN ICON: The Kazan Mother of God, 19th century, Palekh School. An exceptionally well executed icon with exacting detail and gold highlighting throughout. The flesh tones in subtle built-up layers with blended ivory highlights typical of Palekh trained iconographers. The beadwork along the Virgin's veil glazed in translucent shades of green-blue. A spectacular image of one of the two most famous Russian icons and executed in the traditional old style. Of the highest quality. 12"x10.25".  Estimate            $1,250-$1,750

118            RUSSIAN ICON: Saints Boris and Glyeb With Life Scenes, circa 1825 Palekh School. An extremely rare icon depicting the first official Russian Saints. At center facing one another are brothers Boris (left) and Glyeb (right). The central image being surrounded by 16 vignettes illustrating the story of Svyatapolk, Boris and Glyeb's step-brother, who sent assassins to kill them so he would not have to share his inheritance. Boris is said to have not resisted the assassins but rather sang Psalms before an icon of Christ and the Virgin as illustrated. Glyeb was taken while praying on a boat, also illustrated. The exceptional attention to detail, the ornamental kovcheg, the overall pallet and the highly stylized clouds are all attributes of the most skilled of Palekh painters. An exceptional icon of an extremely rare subject, one we have never seen. A museum quality icon. 15"x13".  Estimate            $8,000-$12,000

119            RUSSIAN ICON: The Vladimir Mother of God, 19th century. An exceptional icon finely executed in the 16th century style. Mother and Child in a tender cheek to cheek embrace in this one of the two most famous Russian icons. Fantastic miniature detail and handling of the extensive gold highlighting. Fine and subtle shading in the flesh tones, all elements that point to a master iconographer familiar with ancient icon styles. Beautiful! 12.25"x10.5".  Estimate          $1,250-$1,750

120            RUSSIAN ICON: The Ascension, 19th century Mstera School. At center the Mother of God attended by two angels pointing upwards, is surrounded by the Apostles who look on as Christ ascends to heaven in a circle of light supported by angels. Each apostle is identified by their name which is written within their halo. Fine detail throughout. The inscription along the top border identifies the subject as "The Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ." 6.75"x5.75".  Estimate            $800-$1,200

121            RUSSIAN ICON: The Resurrection, 19th century, Palekh. A complex and extremely detailed depiction combining both the Western (top) and Eastern (bottom) Easter iconography. Along the top border resting on Palekh style clouds is the New Testament Trinity image. Below is Christ within a circle of light standing above his empty tomb, triumphant over death as Roman soldiers sleep. Below Christ stands atop the broken gates of Hades and reaches down to grasp the hand of Adam. Eve and other righteous men and women of the Old Testament are also freed from bondage and make their way towards the gates of heaven guarded by a Seraph and the "Good Thief" (upper right). Other post resurrection scenes are shown, top left, the doubting of Thomas, bottom right, Christ appearing to Peter at the Sea of Tiberias. The margins with inscriptions identifying the corresponding images. A spectacular, detailed icon in excellent condition. 14"x12.25".  Estimate            $2,000-$3,000

122            RUSSIAN ICON: The Feodorovskaya Mother of God, 19th century, Mstera. At center the Virgin and Child in a tender embrace. Above the left shoulder of the Virgin an abbreviated inscription reads "The Image of the Most Holy Mother of God Feodorovskaya." The borders with four female Saints including Barbara, Mary of Egypt, Matrona and Ekaterina (Katherine). Note the unique graduated coloring above each border saint and upon the garments of Christ. The Feodor or (Theodor) Mother of God image is considered the patron of the House of Romanov. 12"x10.25".  Estimate            $800-$1,200

123            RUSSIAN ICON: Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, 19th century, Palekh School. An excellent example of the high quality of painting in this icon. Here Nicholas is shown in a traditional pose, as Bishop, holding a book of Gospels and delivering a blessing. On the left, Christ delivers the Gospel to Nicholas and on the right Mary presents Nicholas with his Bishop's stole. Each hair on Nicholas being individually painted and his garments with fine gold highlights. The inner border on kovcheg also decorated in the traditional Palekh manner. The outer border also presenting a kovcheg, typical of icons produced at the end of the 19th century particularly on those done in the 16th century Revivalist style such as this example. An absolutely perfect icon of the highest quality. 12"x10.25". Estimate            $750-$1,000

124            RUSSIAN ICON: The Old Testament Trinity, 19th century, probably Palekh. At center the traditional depiction of the three angels representing the three persons of the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). However in this expanded example, Abraham (left) and Sarah (right) are also shown. Additionally, other scenes have been added that illustrate this event. At top center Abraham bows down before the three arriving angels (right) and washes the dust from their feet (left). The inscription along the upper margin reads "Image of the Holy Trinity." Exceptional detail and quality are present in every aspect of this icon. 12.25"x10.5". Estimate            $1,500-$2,000

125            RUSSIAN ICON: The Only-Begotten Son, 19th century. A complex and rare subject. This icon illustrates the 2nd Antiphon of the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom which begins, "Only Begotten Son and Word of God..." That is also the title which is inscribed in a condensed abbreviated form of Old Church Slavic along the upper border. At top center is God the Father, below is the Old Testament Trinity, below further is Christ Immanuel within a circle of light and holding a scroll. Still further below is the image "Weep Not For Me Mother." At lower right, Death (shown as a skeleton) rides out of a dark cave on a lion and tramples bodies beneath him. At lower left is a cross on which Christ robed as a crowned warrior is seated, symbolizing his victory over death. Below him an angel overcomes Hades, shown as a fallen human-like figure. An interesting complex icon of exceptionally high quality. 14"x12.25".  Estimate            $2,000-$3,000