27 Nov 2013 Russian Art Auctions
27 November 2013
* 443. CHRIST PANTOCRATOR WITH A SILVER AND ENAMEL OKLAD
OKLAD WITH MARK OF IVAN KHLEBNIKOV WITH IMPERIAL WARRANT, MOSCOW, 1882, 84 STANDARD
31.5 by 27 cm.
30,000–50,000 GBP
Related literature: For similar Khlebnikov works, see S. Ya. Kovarskaya, Proizvedeniya moskovskoi yuvelirnoi firmy Khlebnikova: Katalog, Moscow, Historical and Cultural Museum-Preserve “The Moscow Kremlin”, 2001.
This specially commissioned, precious image of Christ Pantocrator is a particularly fine example of tempera painting from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The expressive face is depicted using the painstaking “otborka” technique of very fine brush strokes, which was used in the highly reputable icon workshops of Vasily Guryanov, Mikhail Dikaryev, Yakov Yepanichnikov, and Vasily Shitov. The Saviour is clothed in a red-blue colour scheme with a very subtle layer of radiant gold assist which is in delicate harmony with the patterned silver-gilt oklad. The restrained colouring is accented expressively with enamel elements; the elegant plant ornamentation is emphasised by a dark background border and decorated to resemble a thickly-woven, precious fabric.
The frame was made by the famous Moscow jewellery firm of Ivan Khlebnikov, which applied new artistic ideas whilst continuing to base its art on the traditions of the old Russian masters. The firm was honoured with an appointment as a Supplier to the Tsar’s court and received the highest recognition of its artistry when its craftsmen were selected to decorate the interiors of the Kremlin cathedrals and to fashion holy vessels for the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.
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.