6 Russian Icons Bursting With Color
As we conclude Easter Week, or Bright Week as it is called in Eastern Orthodox Church, imagery of Christ, the Apostles, the Virgin Mary and all the saints are brought to our mind. In celebrating and honoring these religious depictions, this week’s Russian Icons auction presents a vivid collection of icons.
A highlight of this collection is a 19th century Mother of the Burning Bush icon, which pictures the Mother of God holding Christ at the center of the composition, while the corners are occupied by events related to the biblical story of the Burning Bush. Vividly executed in gesso, gold and tempera, this icon is estimated at $8,000-$12,000.
Mother of the Burning Bushes icon, 19th century, Russia/Palekh, gesso, gold, tempera, 31 x 26 cm. Estimate: $8,000-$12,000. Jasper52 image
St. Mary is also represented in the collection by an 18th century Russian icon of the Annunciation, at which the archangel Gabriel announced that she would conceive a child to be born as the Son of God.
Annunciation icon, Russia, 18th century, tempera on wooden board, size 36 x 31 cm. Estimate: $3,000-$5,000. Jasper52 image
The baptism of Christ is depicted on two 17th century Russian icons in the auction, on of which is pictured here. Both have $5,000-$7,000 estimates.
Baptism of Christ icon, Russia, circa 1600, tempera on wooden board, 32 x 27 cm. Estimate: $5,000-$7,000. Jasper52 image
This 17th or 18th century Russian icon is devoted to the Old Testament Trinity. The detailed image is estimated at $8,000-$10,000.
Old Testament Trinity icon, Russian, 17th-18th century, 27 x 31 cm. Estimate: $8,000-$10,000. Jasper52 image
St. John the Apostle & Evangelist, an 18th century Russian icon, about 10.5 by 12.5 inches, expects to deliver $6,000-$8,000.
St. John the Apostle & Evangelist icon, Russian, 18th century, wood, 26 x 31 cm. Estimate: $6,000-$8,000. Jasper52 image
A central Russian icon commemorating St. Trifon (Tryphon), who was martyred for his faith, is included in the collection. St. Trifon (d. A.D. 250) acquired fame as a healer, especially of animals. He is particularly invoked on farms and is also the patron saint of gardeners and winegrowers.
Martyr Trifon icon, 19th century, central Russia. two splints in the back. 12 1/4in x 10 1/2in (31 x 27 cm). Estimate: $3,500-$5,000. Jasper52 image
The illustrious lives of the saint are celebrated throughout this collection, which can be viewed here.
