MacDougall Auctions 2-3 December 2009
2 December 2009
64. THE MOTHER OF GOD FROM A DEISIS WITH TWO SAINTS
MOSCOW, 16TH CENTURY, SAINTS ON THE BORDERS, PALEKH, CIRCA 1800
37.8 by 33.6 cm.
35,000-50,000 pounds
This icon is a remarkable example of an old painting of the finest quality (presumably a cut-off upper part of a Deisis icon) and the figures of the celestial patrons
of a certain Maria, who commissioned the additions of the figures to be painted in the new margins (the name of the owner is suggested by the choice of Mary Magdalene). This is a rare, thoughtful, and carefully preserved icon for private devotion: the Virgin of the central part is turned to, and thus, benevolently inclined towards, the heavenly patroness of the commissioner of the image, also named Maria. The double patronage and the careful restoration of the ancient fragment (notable for the highly spiritual face of the Virgin, first painted by a 16th century Moscow artist) and the supreme artistic level of the added figures, particularly of the Guardian Angel painted by a Palekh master, demonstrate that this icon was considered an expensive collectable already considered in the early 19th century.
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.