6 Religious Icons Carrying Rich History
Arising from the European Orthodox world are icons that carry rich histories and intricate religious symbolism. Depicting Gospel scenes, these ornate paintings on wood and brass oklad covered motifs remain faithful to the stories of Christ, the Virgin Mary and the early saints. Through this one-of-a-kind sale of Religious Icons, discover and decode traditions that remain central to the Orthodox tradition
One of the stars in this heavenly offering is an 1859 Russian icon depicting Our Lady of Kazan with the Christ Child. Kazanskaya Mother of God, also called Our Lady of Kazan, was a holy icon of the highest stature within the Russian Orthodox Church, representing the Virgin Mary as the protector and patroness of the city of Kazan and a palladium of all of Russia.
Russian icon, Our Lady of Kazan, 1859, egg tempera on wood with gold leaf, silver riza with hallmarks 84. Estimate: $15,000-$20,000. Jasper52 image
In this deesis, a traditional representation in Byzantine art, the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist implore Jesus Christ. A unique 19th century example of this type of icon is featured in this auction.
Deesis, gilt gold Russian icon, late 19th century, 22.5 x 14.5 x 3 inches, paint on wood with gilt. Estimate: $8,000-$10,000. Jasper 52 image
The birth of Christ is celebrated in this 19th century gilt gold Russian icon.
Gilt gold Russian icon, Birth of Christ, 19th century. Estimate: $7,000-$8,000. Jasper52 image
Another highlight of the sale is this 19th century gilt gold Russian icon displaying the Resurrection with scenes from Christ’s Passion.
Russian gilt gold icon of the Resurrection with scenes from the Passion, 19th century, 14.5 x 17.5 x 1 inches, paint on wood with gilt. Estimate: $6,000-$8,000. Jasper52 image
Saints represented in the auction range from the universally known Michael the Archangel to the Russian St. Nikolai, a fourth-century Greek Bishop of Myra, in Asia Minor.
Archangel Michael gilt gold Russian icon, 19th century, 10 x 12 x 1.25 inches, paint on wood with gilt. Estimate: $7,500-$10,000. Jasper52 image
Because of the many miracles attributed to St. Nikolai’s intercession, he is also known as Nikolaos the Wonderworker.
Russian St. Nikolai icon, 1840-1870s, egg tempera on wood with gold leaf. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000. Jasper52 image
View the fully illustrated catalog and bid in this auction with Jasper52 here.
