The Nativity, circa 1700

the Mother of God is shown at the centre of a rocky landscape seated on a red bed before a large cave, Christ lies in a manger, wrapped in white bands; above the cave hovers the star of Bethlehem; on the left the three Magi present their gifts, on the right two shepherds raise their hands in astonishment at the angel's message, to the lower right, the Christ Child receives his first bath, to the lower left Joseph sits before a cave lost in thought, his head rests on his left hand; the shepherd who faces him, dressed in a blue sheepskin, raises his hand in an orator's gesture, he holds a staff in his other hand

There is a vertical split in the panel. The overall condition is good, there are areas of overpainting in places. The halos have been re-gilded. The border may have been repainted at a later date. We would advise prospective buyers to view.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The shepherd may be seen as the devil in disguise, stirring up Joseph's doubt about the virgin birth. He may also be seen as the prophet Isaiah, concerned about Joseph and, on the contrary, explaining to him his prediction about the coming of the Saviour.

The icon has been part of the Festival Tier of an iconostasis. The iconography, influenced by Yaroslavl icon painting, and the predominant ochre tones point out this icon comes from the Volga region.