MacDougall Auctions 2-3 December 2009
2 December 2009
80. THE ASCENSION
KOSTROMA, CIRCA 1700
63 by 42 cm.
22,000-28,000 pounds
Related literature: For similar icons, see The Returned Fortune.Russian Icons in the
Private Collection. Catalogue., ed. I. A. Shalina, Moscow, 2008, cat. no. 35-44.
This icon was originally included in the Feasts Tier of a rather large iconostasis. Its iconography is unusual as the main emphasis is placed on the enlarged figure
of the Mother of God, brought to the foreground and flanked by angels, who are pointing at the Christ Pantocrator, ascending within a red-pink mandorla. On top of the Mount of Olives, there is a stone bearing the footprints of the risen Christ, a site venerated in Jerusalem. The apostles,
who usually occupy the most important space within Ascension icons, are depicted here in two generalised groups, with only two of them emphasised: Peter on the left and young Thomas on the right; he occupies the place traditionally given to St Paul. The characteristic dense enamel-like painting of the icon, with its rounded, white-and-blushed faces and the use of the coloured lacquers in the vestments nd the coloured mountains are features of the Kostroma region tradition of icon-painting; thus, the icon may be connected with this regional school. This panel is close to a contemporary one from the Feasts Tiers (now kept in the Private Museum of Russian Icons, Moscow), which, however, does not have the image of Ascending Christ.
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.