1545

RUSSIAN ICON: The Korsun Mother of God, 19th century. The Virgin and child in a tender cheek-to-cheek embrace. The lower margin inscribed with an Old Church Slavonic abbreviated title "The Korsun Most Holy Mother of God". 12.25"x10.25".

1546

A VERY RARE CHIRIKOV ICON:  Selected Saints, Moscow 1904. At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, a revival of interest in ancient Russian art forms including icons swept the Russian upper classes. In the field of iconography, probably no other icon workshop was as highly sought out as was that of Osip Semeonovich Chirikov, a Mstera trained iconographer with a workshop in Moscow. Chirikov's icons are noted for their exceptional attention to detail and their likeness to various styles of ancient Russian painting. Chirikov's workshop undertook several commissions for the Royal court, and his icons were often purchased as gifts for the Royal family, and other persons of high social standing. From the left to right the offered icon presents Saint Nina Enlightener of Georgia, Saint Dimitriy Bishop of Rostov, the Martyr Lubov, and the Venerable Marina. At top center two angels support an icon of the Novgorod Sign Mother of God. The reverse with period painted inscription plaque rendered in a highly stylized and condensed version of Old Church Slavonic. It reads "ICON OF THE HOLY NAME-SAKES OF THE FAMILY OF DIMITRIY KAPITONOVICH TREMEV. PAINTED BY THE ICONOGRAPHER M.O.CHIRIKOV, IN MOSCOW, NOVEMBER THE 24TH DAY OF THE YEAR 1904." The inscription of course indicates that the saints depicted on the icon are those for whom the members of the family Tremev are named, which each member celebrates on his or her name day or "angel day." The ornately decorated borders are executed to simulate shaded enamel, a distinctive Chirikov trait. A spectacular icon of the type rarely seen offered for sale. 14"x12".

1547

RUSSIAN ICON: The Vladimir Mother of God, 18th century. A finely painted icon somewhat in the style of the famous Moscow Armory school director Simeon Ushakov. The entire icon overlaid with an exceptional repoussé and chased gilded silver riza with elaborate halo. Riza hallmarked Moscow, Cyrillic maker's mark "A.G." and indistinguishable date mark. A gorgeous icon of the highest quality. 10.5"x8.25".

1548

RUSSIAN ICON: The Iverskaya Mother of God, circa 1890. An ornate and elaborate depiction of this famous "Hodigetria"-type. Finely painted in egg tempera on a gold leaf field, the Virgin gestures towards Her son Jesus who is the way to salvation. The infant Christ delivers a blessing and holds a scroll signifying his wisdom. The background intricately incised with the halos being decorated with faux gemstones and seed pearls. The borders colorfully decorated to simulate enamel. The cheek of the Virgin displays a small bleeding wound, a characteristic of this subject. A beautiful icon. 14"x11.75".

1549

RUSSIAN ICON: Saint Nicholas, end of the 19th century. Traditionally depicted as bishop and executed in a realistic manner, here Nicholas holds the Gospels and delivers a blessing. Above his shoulders are Christ delivering Gospels and Mary presenting him with his bishops stole. The entire icon overlaid with an outstanding, multiple piece, silver gilt, repoussé and engraved riza with cloisonné enamel haloes and plaques. Hallmarked Moscow, circa 1890s and with Cyrillic makers mark "I.V.", probably for Ivan Vasilev, active 1896-1908. Stunningly beautiful. 12.25"x10.5".

1550

RUSSIAN ICON: The Shui-Smolensk Mother of God, 19th century. An interesting variant of the Smolensk image easily recognized by the bare, raised right leg of Christ. The garments of Mary and Christ decorated with a profusion of gold highlights and jewels. Exceptional detail throughout. 12.25"x10".

1551

RUSSIAN ICON: The Dormition of the Mother of God, 19th century. A unique and interesting icon of the Dormition (top center) finely executed in miniature technique. On the left and right are inset bronze and enamel crosses depicting the Crucifixion, both with side panels and both depicting the Holy Napkin at top. Below are four exquisitely rendered family saints. From the left the Venerable Arseniy of Komel, the Holy Neophont, and the female Martyr Natalia. No doubt a specially commissioned icon made as a receptacle for the icon crosses of departed family members. A large and finely painted icon. 17.5"x15".

1552

RUSSIAN ICON: The Mother of God with Saints, circa 1900. An unusual and interesting icon depicting a full-length image of the Mother of God at center holding a scepter in her upraised right hand and in her left hand holding what appears to be a small loaf of bread. At top center is an image of The Lord Almighty. She is surrounded by a gathering of Saints. On the left, St. Boniface, St. Damian. St. Cosmas, St. Dimitriy, St. Aviv, St. Samon, St. Sadoc, St. Martinian, St. Guriy, St. Anitpy, St. Nicholas, and the Guardian Angel. To the right of Mary are: St. Mary Magdalen, St. Koprian, St. Justina, St. Theodor, St. Florus, St. Laurus, St. Paisius, St. Neophant, St. Maroe, St. Nikita of Novgorod, St. John the Forerunner and the Prophet Elijha. In the upper left corner the sun, at right the moon. The entire image overlaid with a heavy silver-gilt repoussé and chased riza of extraordinarily high relief and intricate design. Hallmarked Moscow, circa 1900 and with Cyrillic makers mark "Vas. Utkin". An interesting icon finely painted in the Palekh style. 12.25"x10.5". RARE.

1553

RUSSIAN ICON: Saint Peter and Saint Paul, end of the 18th century. An extremely fine icon. At top center Christ holds an open book of Gospels and delivers a blessing. Below at left St. Peter holds the keys to the gates of Heaven. On the right St. Paul holds a book of Gospels. Behind them an 18th century Russian church most likely one dedicated to the two saints. The foreground intricately decorated with a variety of foliage. The gold leaf background showing some signs of wear due to veneration. A very fine icon of a desirable subject. 14"x11.5".