"The Congregation of Russian Saints with Russian Deesis."
Russia. 18th century.
Size: cm.
Technique & Material: Solid board, gesso, egg tempera, gold leaf and melted silver, drying oil.
Description:The highest level of iconography in festive style of so-called "Elizabethan Baroque". In the color composition used rich palette of pure and bright colors, including rare ones. Clothes of the This icon - without exaggeration is the discovery in the science of Russian ancient icons.
Unique nuances of iconography in this icon:
1. At the top of the icon there is so-called "Russian Deesis". It is differs from the classic deesis that instead of John the Baptist here is the icon of St. Nicholas Miracle-worker. This is explained by unprecedented popularity and veneration of St. Nicholas in Russia. Mother of God, Jesus Christ and St. Nicholas are depicted to the waist in the festive baroque oval frame - cartouches, which are made using silver leaf and blackening (niello).
2. In the center of the composition there is the Cathedral of Russian saints which includes the most revered saints in Russia: Alexander Nevsky, Alexander Svirsky, Sergius of Radonezh, Thekla, Carp, John - Patriarch of Moscow - in the center. Also three Greek saints: John the theologian, Gerasim, Antipas.
3. In the fields of the icon on each side there are 5 (!!!) saints. This indicates on the special status of the icon and individual order. Most likely it is a noble family. Since such icon was not available to ordinary people.
The perfect state of preservation.
Provenance: Private collection, Tallinn, Estonia.
Please ask for more information about the icon and it's provenance.
High Resolution Images: fragments.
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Собор Русских Святых с Русским Деесусом.
Россия. 18 век.
Размер: cm.
Цельная доска, левкас , яичная темпера , сусальное и твореное серебро , олифа.
Высокое качество: фрагменты.
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