MacDougall Auctions 8 June 2009
8 June 2009
119. THE APOSTLE PETER IN REPENTANCE
GREEK (IONIAN ISLANDS), ATTRIBUTED TO THEODOROS POULAKIS, XVII CENTURY
26.2 by 21.3 cm.
20,000-25,000 pounds
According to the Gospels, during the Last Supper Christ told Peter that he would deny Him three times before the cock crowed twice. This icon visualises the moment that followed the fulfillment of the above prediction; the saint in sorrow, praying as he turns towards the open heavens, his attribute, the keys of heaven, hanging on his wrist, his hands joined on his chest, the open Gospels next to him narrates the depicted event, a brick wall in the background, to the left is the cock and to the background a tree; St. Peter is dressed in a blue tunic with white collar a red belt and orange-red himation.
The icon can confidently be attributed to the painter Theodoros Poulakis on the basis of a comparison with an icon sold at Sotheby's in 1989 (see illustration). The latter icon shows scenes from the Passion of Christ, includes a figure of St. Peter which closely resembles the standalone image of the Apostle of this lot.
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.