MacDougall Auctions 2-3 December 2009
2 December 2009
36. THE ANNUNCIATION
POVOLZHIE (KOSTROMA?), LATE 17TH CENTURY
52 by 37.5 cm.
35,000-40,000 pounds
The icon originates from the Feasts Tier of an iconostasis and is a typical late 17th century iconographic version of the Annunciation formed in the Armoury icon-painting workshop under the influence of Western European prints. However, in this example the Armoury iconography is notably simplified and the architecture is rendered characteristically Russian. Such icons were particularly widespread in the art of the Volga region, which kept some unusual iconographic elements, e.g., the tiled floor and Archangel Gabriel’s staff. The exuberant plumage of the Archangel’s wings and the complex niello décor of the Virgin’s throne are reminiscent of many Kostroma paintings. Both the prominent rendering of the faces with the heavy use of white in the modelling and the characteristic palette connect the painter with this artistic centre. The prosperity of that area in the late 17th century allowed commissions of entire iconostases from professional icon-painters, and this icon must have been painted for the Feast Tier of a provincial church in the Volga region.
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.