MacDougall Auctions 2-3 December 2009
2 December 2009
* 9. THE MOTHER OF GOD OF KAZAN
MOSCOW OR KOSTROMA, MASTER OF THE ARMOURY CHAMBER CIRCLE, LATE 17TH CENTURY
30.5 by 26.5 cm.
20,000-30,000 pounds
The icon copies one of the most honoured wonder-working images of the Mother of God that appeared in 1552 in Kazan. Since the original icon was small in size, its copies ‘according to its measure and likeness’ were well suited for private devotion and were often painted as images for use in monastic cells or in the home. Such was apparently the function of the present icon, commissioned from a master familiar with the artistic manner of the Armoury painters. This is evident in the “lifelike”, soft and voluminous rendering of the face. However, as the rest of the painting is less detailed and as the icon is given a “cloudy” background, the icon could have been made in a later, post- Armoury school period.
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.