A Russian Icon of the Archangel Raphael with His Works, 19th century

with a central full-length image of the Archangel, surrounded by smaller scenes depicting his travels with Tobias and the defeat of the demon Asmodeus

panel split into three pieces and repaired; some minor losses around the angel's neck
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.

The deeds of the Archangel Raphael are a very rare topic in Russian icon painting. They are best known from the apocryphal Book of Tobit in which the Archangel disguises himself as one of the merchant Tobit's kinsman and is hired to guide Tobit's young son, Tobias, on a journey to a distant city to collect a debt. Although the young man did not know it, Raphael also intended to guide him in vanquishing the demon Asmodeus. The demon had become attracted to the young woman Sarah, a resident of the city of Media, and had killed each of her seven husbands on their wedding nights. During Tobias and Raphael's journey to Media, a giant fish had attacked Tobias and Raphael had instructed him on how to make medicines from the fish's heart, liver and gall bladder. (The medicines succesfully healed Tobit's blindness and for this reason, Raphael is the patron of medical workers and healers as well as traveling merchants.) Tobit is betrothed to the beautiful Sarah and Raphael instructs him, that when the demon attacks on the wedding night,  to burn the fish's liver and heart to drive away the demon. The burning fumes of the fish's organs effectively repel the demon to Egypt, where Raphael pursues and imprisons him.