MacDougall Auctions 8 June 2009
8 June 2009
113. THE NEW TESTAMENT TRINITY IN PARADISE, WITH SELECTED SAINTS AND ST. MICHAEL ANNOUNCING THE APOCALYPSE
RUSSIAN (OLD BELIEVERS WORKSHOP, POMORYE?), CIRCA 1800
35.9 by 30 cm.
25,000-35,000 pounds
The icon is organised in three sections. The open heavens above, flanked by the sun and the moon on the corners, show the New Testament Trinity in Paradise which is visible through the open gates. Christ and God the Father, to the left and right respectively, are seated on a carved and gilded wooden throne; the Father bears a double-halo, raises His hand in blessing and holds an open scroll, while Christ gestures in benediction and carries the Gospels. He wears a jewel-encrusted crown together with His tripartite halo and golden liturgical vestments that refer to His role as the High Priest, the Instruments of the Passion are placed in a vessel in front of them. The Holy Spirit in blue, rayed glory is depicted above. To the lower left corner a group of saints is portrayed in supplication, including the first three Metropolitans of Moscow, Peter, Alexis and Jonah, with a selection of Monastic saints; to the right Archangel Michael, on a brown horse, swings a censer and raises the closed Gospels as he rides over the Kingdom of Satan, the latter is personified by the dark prostrated figure in the foreground. The composition is executed in great detail with traditional colours on golden ground, with olive border.
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.