A Rare and Monumental Icon of the Creation of the World and the Fall of Man , Northern Russia, 17th century

divided into five registers, the upper register depicting God the Father in an orange red aureole creating the sun and the moon, surrounded by two angels, the cross and the Hetoimasia, and possible representations of Earth and Kosmos, the mouth of Hades wide open; the second register showing God the Father's descent to earth as an angel to complete the Creation and his rest on the seventh day; Adam and Eve in the third register arriving naked in the Garden of Eden, eating from the forbidden fruit, and being banished from paradise; fourth register showing Adam and Eve within their tomb whilst their descendants toil the earth, and the slaying of Abel by his brother Cain; final register showing the dormition of the forefathers

Sotheby's London, 11-12 June 1997, lot 186

The icon is composed of several panels of wood which are attached to a wooden frame. The left hand side has vertical cracks running from top to bottom with radiating craquelure and raised paint which could benefit from professional attention. The vertical cracks and craquelure correspond to the areas where the wooden panels join together. Examination under UV light reveals spots of retouching in places.
"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."