MacDougall's Russian Art Auctions 8-9 June 2011
8 June 2011
608. THE PROPHET SAFONIY
12,000-15,000 GBP
YAROSLAVL, SECOND HALF OF THE 18TH CENTURY.
89 by 46 cm.
The icon comes from the Prophets' row of a church iconostasis which often had an icon of the Mother of God enthroned
in the centre and the Old Testament prophets, whose
preaching and visions foretold events in the Gospels, bowed
towards her in devotion.
The prophet Sofoniy (also known as Sophonias and
Zephaniah) is one of the most mysterious of the Old
Testament prophets. No information on his life exists, the only
evidence for Sofoniy are his scriptural prophecies, especially
the messianic prophecy contained in the hymn glorified by
the Orthodox Church as praising Zion as the place the
Messiah will appear.
Our icon presents Sofoniy as a devout preacher, he holds an
unfurled scroll inscribed with his prophecy in his right hand
and makes a devotional gesture towards the centre of the
prophets’ row with his left hand. The figure of the prophet is
cleverly portrayed with a vertically elongated form; the
painting of the holy man’s face, hands and clothing is unusually fine and expressive, rendered in a palette of joyous and
intense colour.
This icon is one of the best and most characteristic examples
of Yaroslavl painting in the latter half of the 18th 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.