4 June 2014 Russian Art Auctions
4 June 2014
* 618. A LARGE ICON OF THE OLD TESTAMENT TRINITY
NORTHERN RUSSIA, CIRCA 1700
82 by 66 cm.
22,000–28,000 GBP
The icon shows the widely popular subject of the Old Testament Trinity in its historic version, however a number of iconographic details distinguish this image from the numerous artisan reproductions of this long-famous composition. Abraham and Sarah are depicted emerging from a building in the middle ground, to the left, whereas they usually witness the three angels’ miraculous appearance from behind a refectory table or in front of it amongst the angels. One further peculiarity of the composition is the contrived balance, i.e., the equal importance of the three features in the middle ground: the architectural ensemble, the vertical lines of the Oak of Mamre and the high mountain with its yawning cavern. This device further underlines the dogmatic meaning of the subject: the triune quality of the hypostases of the Holy Trinity.
The special features of the composition that have been noted are seldom encountered. For example, in the exhibition catalogue ‘The Blessed Sergius of Radonezh and the image of the Holy Trinity in ancient Russian art’ (Moscow, 2013), this version of icon is not represented. There is however, a large (91 x 72 cm) icon which closely resembles the image described, from the Church of the Dormition by the Ferry, Pskov, dating from the first half of the 17th century (now in the Pskov State Museum of Architectural History and Art, PKM-1416).
This monumental image of the Old Testament Trinity was made for one of the cathedrals dedicated to the Trinity in the Russian North. Its bright, festive colours and rare iconographic peculiarities make it a memorable and historic artefact of traditional icon- painting and which reflects a popular art aesthetic.
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.