Nicholas Roerich

B.H. Kean, New York
Sale: Sotheby's London, December 15, 1993, lot 29, illustrated
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner

This painting has been recently restored and should be hung as is. The canvas is unlined and well stretched. The paint layer is clean and stable. The tacking edges have been reinforced and the remainder of the painting is structurally in very good condition. The only retouches evident have been applied in the dark upper triangle of the tent, a little in the boarder, in the upper tent and a few retouches in the sky in the upper right. Overall, the condition of this work is wonderful. There is a light varnish on the surface which is appropriate and in its current frame, this picture should be hung as is. The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

According to Russian Orthodox tradition, St. Mercurius was a courageous soldier and holy martyr. Born a Slav, probably in Moravia, he traveled to Rus' in search of a chaster and more saintly life, and he entered into the army of the Prince of Smolensk. In 1239 he was called upon to defend the city against seemingly inevitable defeat by the army of Mongol conqueror Batu. As the enemy approached, the local sexton prayed before the icon of the Mother of God of Smolensk, and her voice miraculously spoke to him: "Go to my servant Mercurius and tell him I am calling him." Soon Mercurius arrived in full armor, and at once the most-holy Virgin, sitting on a golden throne with child and surrounded by angels, appeared to him in a vision: "My servant Mercurius, I have called you here from the land of the Romans to protect this church from the enemy..."

Mercurius was told that after driving away the Tatar horde he would sacrifice himself to atone for their sins. That very night he set off to the Mongol camp at Dolgomost', where he battled with the army leader, a giant of colossal strength. Striking that man dead, Mercurius entered into heroic hand-to-hand combat with the enemy, and the apparition of a radiant woman appeared at his side, striking fear in the hearts of all who opposed him; he slew innumerable warriors and turned away the horde almost single-handedly. As prophesied, he was slain in battle and beheaded by the son of the Tatar army leader.

St. Mercurius was buried in the Assumption Cathedral in Smolensk, and by 1509 he was considered the city's patron saint. His name day is recognized on November 24.