A RARE RUSSIAN ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD "MY SOUL MAGNIFIES THE LORD" WITH A SILVER OKLAD |

the icon with the Virgin enthroned in an oval reserve holding a book open to the words of the Magnificat in Cyrillic reading "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior," the silver oklad chased and repoussé with Neo-classical ornament, struck with mark of assayer Aleksei Vikhliaev, the Cyrillic initials AOP of an unidentified alderman, and Cyrillic initials IF, possibly for Ivan Fedorov, Moscow, 1797; the halo with seraphim and crown, with maker's marks obscured, Moscow, 1899-1908

the icon with losses to the surface, particularly from the nails used to secure the halo and all along the lower border, exposing 1-3 cm of linen, gesso, and bare wood; the oklad in very good condition, with some small splits at corners and at lower left and with a 1 cm area of loss at the upper right border
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.