religious icons – Page 2

6 Russian Icons Bursting With Color

April 19, 2017

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.

Old World Christianity Depicted in Icons

February 22, 2017

Arising from the European Orthodox Church are icons that carry a rich history and intricate religious symbolism. The handcrafted images depict Gospel scenes and remain faithful to the stories of Virgin Mary and Christ. This week’s collection features more than 100 beautiful antique Russian icons. Here are a few standouts:

One of the earliest works in the collection is a 17th century icon of Christ Immanuel from northern Russia. The tempera painting on wooden board measures 13 by 10.4 inches.

Christ Immanuel icon, 17th century, northern Russia, tempera on wooden board. Estimate: $4,000-$5,000. Jasper52 image

Also from northern Russia is a large church icon of Moses, a rare subject. This full view of the prophet holding the Ten Commandments is over 29 inches by 14 inches.

Rare church icon of Moses, northern Russia, 17th century, tempera on wooden board. Estimate: $6,000-$8,000. Jasper52 image

Embossing and engraving enhances a brilliant 19th century icon titled The Old Trinity. The tempera on board icon measures over 20 inches by 17 inches.

‘The Old Trinity’ large Russian icon, 19th century, tempera on wooden board. Estimate: $4,000-$5,000. Jasper52 image

A 19th century Kovcheg-style icon from central Russia depicts the Resurrection of Christ. Done in egg tempera and gesso on wood, the icon is reinforced with two splints on the back.

Icon of the Resurrection, Kovcheg, central Russia, 19th century, egg tempera and gesso on wood. Estimate: $4,000-$5,000. Jasper52 image

An early 20th century icon consists of four parts on the wood board: Intercession of Mother of God, Our Lady of the Sign, St. Nickolas and Our Lady “Sooth My Sorrow.”

Russian icon in four parts: Intercession of Mother of God, Our Lady of the Sign, St. Nickolas, Our Lady ‘Sooth My Sorrow.’ Wood and egg tempera, early 20th century, 18in x 20in. Estimate: $4,000-$6,000. Jasper52 image

The Virgin Iverskaya and Child appear on a signed silver enamel oklad icon made in Moscow, circa 1908-1917.

Virgin Iverskaya icon, silver enamel oklad, maker’s mark ‘GD’ in Cyrillic, Moscow 1908-1917. Estimate: $5,000-$7,000. Jasper52 image

Also included in this week’s Religious Icons auction are bronze and iron crosses depicting the Crucifixion as well as books and printed auction catalogs devoted to Russian religious icons. View the full catalog and bid right here.

5 Icons Depicting Images of Old-Time Religion

January 25, 2017

Jesus Christ and many of the saints are represented in Russian icons that will be sold in this week’s online auction. Icons are revered pictures of Jesus, Mary or the saints and are often Russian. They are made of wood, tin, or precious metals. The icons in this auction predate the 1917 Russian Revolution.

Individual icons in this auction start at the top with the popular Christ Pantocrator. This particular icon dates to 1835 Moscow. Christ Pantocrator refers to a specific depiction of Christ. Pantocrator, or Pantokrator is, used in this context, a translation of one of many names of God in Judaism.

Christ Pantocrator icon, Moscow, 1835, silver riza. Estimage: $6,000-$8,000. Jasper52 image

Ranking high on the hierarchy in Russian icons is St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, who is represented in the auction by an 1840s icon originating in St. Petersburg, the former Russian capital. Saint Nicholas, also called Nikolaos of Myra, was a historic fourth-century Christian saint and Greek Bishop of Myra, in Asia Minor. He is also known as Nikolas the Wonderworker because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession.

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, St. Petersburg, 1840s, silver-gilt riza. Estimate: $5,000-$7,000. Jasper52 image

St. Habakkuk, a prophet in the Old Testament, is revered in a 19th century icon of hand-painted egg tempera and gesso on an elongated wood panel. Habakkuk is the author of the Book of Habakkuk and the eight of the collected twelve Minor Prophets.

St. Habakkuk Russian icon, 19th century, hand-painted egg tempera, gesso on wood panel. Estimate: $6,500-$8,000. Jasper52 image

Christ is the focal point of this 19th century Kholui school icon, known as The Only Begotten Son. Kholui is a small community 223 miles northeast of Moscow long known for its skilled icon painters.

Russian Icon of the Only Begotten Son, Holui School, 19th century. Estimate: $12,000-$15,000. Jasper52 image

A host of saints are depicted in a large Vetka school icon dating to the second half of the 19th century.

Selected subjects icon, Vetka school, second half 19th century. Estimate: $10,000-$12,000. Jasper52 image

Click here to view the full catalog of exceptional Russian religious icons. Auction ends on Saturday, January 28th.

6 Religious Icons Carrying Rich History

January 10, 2017

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.

How to Determine the Value of Religious Icons

December 5, 2016

Antique religious Icons are an increasingly popular and important collector’s item. Regular auctions of these unique and special items engage collectors both new to the items and veteran collectors. To learn more about these items and the category, we turned to Maxwell Easter of Dennis Easter’s Russian Store.

The question I get the most in my field is what makes an Icon more valuable. What are the characteristics that make one Icon, maybe similar in appearance, sometimes cost thousands of dollars more? It’s true there is a big range in pricing, Icons can be priced anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a couple million dollars but why? To answer this, I have compiled a list of six criteria that influence price. This information will arm you with the knowledge needed to become an educated consumer in the great world of Icons.

Quality

One of the more obvious and most important is the quality of the Icon. How fine is the detail?
How bold are the pigments? How blended are the brush strokes?

Age

The age of the Icon plays an important role in its valuation. Naturally, an Icon from the 15th century will fetch a higher premium in comparison to an Icon from the 19th century, however, there are exceptions.

Rarity

Some scenes, like the classic Christ Pantocrator are more common than others like the Day of Judgement, an Icon I’ve seen only once in my career.

Saint Nicholas, the Wonderworker of Myra, icon painting village of Kholui, Russia, 12 in x 9 in (30 cm x 23 cm). Egg tempera and silvering on gessoed wood. $700. Dennis Easter image

Desirability

Some pieces are just inherently more desirable than others. An image of Saint Nicholas, the patron Saint of Russia, will be more valuable that an Icon of a random Metropolitan or other obscure subjects. Additionally, Icons that have decorative covers called oklads, made of gold and silver with precious and semi-precious stones, are typically worth more.

Condition

Like with anything, condition is important. The better an Icon’s condition the higher the price. This usually holds true but gets complicated based on the personal preference. Some collectors want a piece that has no restoration favoring a more naturally aged look while other collectors would rather have a piece restored to its original condition.

St. Nicholas of Myra with vita, the Evangelists and four border saints – S. Prince Michael, St. Gregory, St, Catherine and St. Justinia, ca. 1870s, icon painting village of Palekh, Russia. 20 1/2 in x 17 in (52 cm x 43 cm). $25,000. Dennis Easter image

Region

The finest Icons were produced by Iconographers from certain communities referred to as “schools.” Often monasteries, these centers for Iconography specialized in their own adopted styles. An Icon from the famous Palekh School will be much more expensive than an Icon from a small rural village.

Provenance

Finally, the history of the piece can play an important role in its valuation. If the Icon was from a particular collection, spent time in a museum and or once belonged to royalty, the piece can skyrocket in value.

For a beginning collector, understanding the value of an Icon can be bewildering. It’s better to start small. One would rather make a $300 mistake than a $30,000 mistake. Allow yourself time to find your own taste, explore the world of Icons, study the history and understand the value of an Icon through the application of these seven criteria listed. Most importantly, if it speaks to you buy it because no Icon is exactly alike and you might never find it again.

View this week’s Religious Icons auction and discover your new treasure.

Maxwell Easter is an expert in antique Russian icons and Catholic relics. He manages sales and public relations at Dennis Easter’s Russian Store out of West Palm Beach, Florida.

Religious Icons: Anticipating the Holiday Season

November 3, 2016

Arising from the Russian and Ukranian Orthodox worlds are icons – conventional religious images typically painted on small wooden panels and framed with metal sand castings. These icons carry rich histories and intricate religious symbolism. Often portraits or of scenes from the Bible, these ornate paintings remain faithful to the stories of Christ, the Virgin Mary and the saints.

A fine collection of 27 antique religious icons will be featured in an upcoming Jasper52 sale on Sunday, Nov. 6. Below are some highlights:

Russian icon of Christ Pantocrator

Dating to the 1890s and made using egg tempera and zinc on wood with silver basma, a Moscow hallmark.

Russian icon, ‘Christ Pantocrator,’ Moscow, circa 1890. Estimate: $1,200-$1,500

Icon of St. Nicholas of Myra

Done in egg tempera and gesso with brass oklad, this provincial central Russia icon dates to the 1880s.

‘Nicholas of Myra,’ central Russia, circa 1880. Estimate: $325-$425

Russian Icon Elevation of the True Cross

This depiction of St. Elena and St. Constantine the presenting the True Cross dates to the 1860s. Elevation of the Holy Cross is one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church, celebrated on September 14.

‘Saints Elena and Constantine presenting the True Cross,’ central Russia, circa 1860. Estimate: $400-$600

Russian Icon Savior of Smolensk

This icon shows Christ with his right hand raised in a blessing gesture and his left hand holding a Gospel book. Flanking Him are the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist; kneeling in prayer at His feet are St. Sergius of Radonezh and the Venerable Barlaam of Khutyn.

‘Savior of Smolensk,’ egg tempera and and gesso on wood with silver-plated brass oklad, central Russia, circa 1880. Estimate: $600-$800

Our Lady of Kazan

Our Lady of Kazan, aka Kazanskay Mother of God, 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. This fine example done in egg tempera and gesso with silvered oklad dates to the 1880s.

‘Our Lady of Kazan,’ egg tempera and and gesso on wood with silvered oklad, circa 1880. Estimate: $600-$800

See the full Religious Icons auction this week and stay tuned for more unique finds.

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