686

A RUSSIAN ICON: The Mother of God, Joy to all who Suffer ‘Near the Glassworks’ c.1913. In this variant of the standard "Joy to all who Suffer" - Vsem Skorbyashehim Radost, coins are depicted stuck here and there to the surface. It originated in a miracle which took place in the village of Klochka near St. Petersburg, not far from a glass factory, on July 23, 1888. An icon of the Mother of God, Joy to all who Suffer was hanging in the chapel. The building was struck by lightning, shattering the alms box and charring the chapel walls. The icon was found lying face down on the floor. When it was turned over, the image was found to have become fresh and clear, and coins from the alms box were sticking to the surface. Previously the icon, which had originally been found washed ashore on the Neva River, was dark and obscure. Its "renewal" was seen as a sign from heaven, and its fame soon spread. The lower border of this example displays an inscription briefly describing the events surrounding the prototype. Additionally, this example has 12 actual kopeki affixed to the surface. An interesting example with vintage coins. 17"x13".

687

A RUSSIAN ICON: Multiple Scenes, 19th c. A large panel divided into 9 registers each depicting a different image. From left to right, top to bottom, they are; The "O-All-Hymned Mother of God", "Weep Not For Me Mother", "The Akhtirskaya Mother of God", "St. Elizabeth and the Prophet Zacharias", "The Lord Almighty", "St. John the Warrior and St. Christopher the Dog-Headed", "Mother of God Deliverer from Distress", "The Mother of God Softener of Evil Hearts", and the "Feodorovskaya Mother of God". An interesting large icon.

688

A RUSSIAN ICON: St. John the Forerunner with Life Scenes" c.1780-1820. A large and beautifully executed icon of St. John. Shown in full-length at center, delivering a blessing and holding a diskos containing the infant Christ symbolizing the lamb of God. He also holds a scroll which

begins "Behold the Lamb of God; which takes away the sins of the world..." (John 1:29). He is surrounded with scenes from his life. His father Zakharias is informed by an angel that his wife Elizabeth will give birth. At lower left the Birth of John and Zakharias naming him, together with various other scenes. The upper left corner with the Tolga Mother of God and the upper right the Feodorovskaya Mother of God. The New Testament Trinity at top center. A large and impressive icon. 21"x17.5".

689

A RUSSIAN ICON: The Mother of God, 19th c. A beautifully rendered icon of the Virgin executed in the 16th century style. 15"x13".

690

A RUSSIAN ICON: The Lord Almighty, 19th c. A large and interesting icon depicting Christ at center holding the Gospels open to Matthew 11:28. To His left and right St. Nicholas and the 3 Hierarchs. Clockwise beginning at the upper left corner is the Trinity, the Nativity, the Ascension, the Resurrection, and the Transfiguration. 20"x17".

691

A PAIR OF RUSSIAN ICONS: The Annunciation, c.1890. A beautiful pair of icons most likely from the Royal Doors and illustrating the Annunciation. 22"x10" each.

692

A RUSSIAN ICON: Christ, 19th c. A rather rare and unusual polychrome and gilded relief sculpted plaque of Christ. 7.25"x7.5" (overall).

693

A RUSSIAN ICON: The Entrance of the Mother of God Into the Temple, c.1890. Probably the village of Mstera or an exclusive Moscow workshop. Here the young Mary is presented by her parents Joakhim and Anna to the Temple priest Zakharias, father of St. John the Forerunner. Exceptional detail throughout. 14"x14".

694

A RUSSIAN ICON: The Apostles and Evangelists St. Luke (left) and St. Matthew. Finely painted on an elaborately incised gilded ground. 12"x12".