120

A RUSSIAN ICON: The Meeting of the Lord, circa 1680-1700. An essentially untouched icon in a very good state of preservation. Here Mary, Joseph and the Prophetess Anna present the infant Christ to the aged Simeon Bogopriymets (the God-Receiver - see Luke 2:25-28). The upper border inscribed with a condensed and abbreviated title which identifies the scene as: SRETENIE GOSPODNE. Most likely from the festival tier of an iconostasis of a small chapel. 20 inches by 17.25 inches (51 cm x 44 cm).

Estimate $1,750-$2,500

121

A RARE RUSSIAN ICON TYPE: The Mother of God Plachushaya, circa 1800-. In this finely executed icon, the Mother of God holds a reduced size figure of the crucified Christ. In a manner more familiar to Western Christian art as illustrated in the many "Pieta" images. The entire icon is overlaid with a riza of paste stones and mother-of-pearl beads. Additionally, a silver gilt halo dated 1841 has also been applied together with silver basma work along the borders. The borders depict the Guardian Angel, St. Pelagiya, St. Basil and an unidentified female saint. Overall in an excellent state of preservation. 12.75 inches by 11.5 inches (32.5 cm x 29 cm).

Estimate $1,750-$2,500