MacDougall Auctions 2-3 December 2009
2 December 2009
* 21. A MENAIA WITH THE RESURRECTION AND DESCENT INTO HELL (ANASTASIS) AND FEASTS
MSTERA, LATE 19TH CENTURY
71.5 by 57.5 cm.
18,000-25,000 pounds
This is a characteristic example of an icon illustrating the church feasts and saints commemorated throughout the liturgical year. The centre of the composition is occupied by
an image of the Resurrection and Descent into Hell, which was popular in the 19th century, and accompanied by the twelve main church feasts. These are surrounded by twelve menaia, representing the sequence of all calendar commemorations beginning from September, the first month of the traditional Russian calendar, preserved in the liturgical life of the Russian Church, and finishing with August. Such large icons were commissioned to decorate churches, where they were put in places easily accessible to parishioners.
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.