MacDougall's Russian Art Auctions 8-9 June 2011

8 June 2011

artist_index / full_catalogue


603. SAINTS FEODOR AND ELENA IN A SILVER AND ENAMEL OKLAD




10,000-15,000 GBP

MOSCOW, END OF THE 19TH TO BEGINNING OF THE 20TH CENTURY, OKLAD STAMPED WITH MAKER'S MARK OF YAKOV MISHUKOV IN CYRILLIC, 84 STANDARD.
25 by 17.5 cm.

The icon depicts the Righteous Prince Feodor and the Empress Helena standing full-length, beneath clouds from which Christ is bestowing a blessing.

Prince Feodor, was a major historical figure from the first half of the 13th century and was canonised in the 15th century. Before his death he became a monk and is therefore depicted in monastic garb.

Saint Helena, Empress and mother of the Emperor Constantine I, was renowned for actively spreading Christianity and for the excavations she led in Jerusalem, where she found the Holy Sepulchre, the True Cross and other Christian relics.

The icon is a typical example of an image commissioned by a patron who was probably from an Old Believer background, indicated by the Saint’s blessing gesture made with two fingers and the strictly canonical design.

The icon was produced by one of the top professional workshops in Moscow and is distinguished by the delicacy of the painting and the refinement of the gold decoration. The style of the painting is reminiscent of that from the renowned icon-painting establishments of the Chirikovs and M.I. Dikarev. The silver oklad, enamel frame and haloes were made at the beginning of the 20th century in a Moscow jewellers’ workshop. The unusual pointed arch at the top of the icon and the cool silver and light blue hues of the oklad against the warm golden tones of the painting impart a special beauty and expressiveness to the image.


Notes on symbols:
* Indicates 5% Import Duty Charge applies.
Ω Indicates 20% Import Duty Charge applies.
§ Indicates Artist's Resale Right applies.
† Indicates Standard VAT scheme applies, and the rate of 20% VAT will be charged on both hammer price and premium.