MacDougall's Russian Art Auctions 27-30 May 2012
27 May 2012
* 420. A CARVED MINIATURE ICON IN CYPRESS WOOD IN A SILVER FRAME WITH SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES
MOUNT ATHOS, SECOND HALF
OF THE 18TH CENTURY .
7.5 by 9.5 cm.
2,000–3,000 GBP
The icon depicts roundels of the four warrior saints, George the Bringer of Victory, Demetrius of Thessaloniki, Theodore Tyro, and Theodore Stratelates along with two groups of selected Saints; in the upper left roundel are John Chrysostom, Gregory the Theologian and Basil the Great, with St Nicholas
and two other Slavic Saints in the lower left roundel. In the smaller central roundels, the healing saints, Cosmas and Damian are amongst those depicted.
During the period of the Ottoman yoke in the 17th–18th centuries, Athos preserved its independence and was populated predominantly
by Slavs (Serbs and Bulgars). It continued to be a mouthpiece for national liberation and depictions of the Holy Warriors George and Demetrius are
often found on items produced by the master craftsmen of Athos. However, such a vividly expressed “manifesto” as the present lot, has not yet come
to light in museum collections.
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.