A Fabergé Gilded Silver and Gem-Set Icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Moscow, circa 1900

the image of the saint finely rendered, his robes minutely chased in imitation of the fabric of a bishop's vestments, the gilded silver frame chased with swirling abstracted floral forms, the outer border with eight bezel-set rubies and sapphires

overall good condition
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.

Icons from the firm of Fabergé demonstrate consistent refinement in workmanship as in the firm's secular production and, as such, are among the very finest painted icons with silver covers produced in Imperial Russia. The decoration of the oklad of this icon is dependent on the scrolling floral forms of 17th-century Russian metalwork, although in this case they are abstracted, melding traditional Russian forms with the tastes of the modern movement. The use of intensely-colored, bezel-set gemstones, another borrowing from 16th- and 17th-century Russian jewelry, further brings the modern and the traditional into harmony.