A silver-gilt icon of the Saviour of the 'Fiery Eye', Kazan, 1879

a large icon of Christ, represented from his shoulders upwards, gazing at the viewer and dressed in a red tunic and blue mantle decorated with gold, 84 standard

The icon covered with darkened varnish and dirt. Some damage to the face, some retouching and traces of strengthened craquelures. Ghesso partially lost along the edges of the icon.
"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 iconography of the 'Fiery Eye' undoubtedly derives from larger portraits of Christ Pantocrator found in dome and apse mosaics and frescos. All Russian icons of this type refer to the 13^th-century portrait icon of Christ, now in the Kremlin Church of the Annunciation in Moscow. This large icon, which was originally housed in the Cathedral of the Dormition, impresses the viewer with its monumental forms. The stern face of Christ has inspired the image's popular name of Jaroe Oko (Fiery Eye), although this is not inscribed on the icon itself. This extremely powerful and expressive portrait icon of Christ became very popular in Moscow during the second half of the 16^th century. The present icon, painted in an archaic style, follows this ancient Moscow tradition and can be dated to the late 19^th century.