'My Soul Proclaims the Greatness of the Lord', Moscow or Mstera, late 19th century

a multifigured composition depicting on the left the pregnant Mary congratulating Elizabeth, also pregnant, in the centre God the Father against a dark blue starry scroll representing the sky, the Archangel Gabriel descending for the Annunciation, Christ in a red halo surrounded by angels, a blue seraph and a red cherub, the Mother of God Enthroned surrounded by prophets, forefathers, princes and holy monks, the lower part showing scenes from the Last Judgement



 

Excellent condition. Only some minor retouching in the lower area along a vertical crack that runs from top to bottom, and that is only visible at the back.
"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."

This rare icon, based on a passage from the Gospel of St Luke (1:46-53), represents Mary's praise of God.  The Church Slavonic on the upper border depicts the first sentence of the Virgin Mary's praise: (46) My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. 

The iconography of the lower part of the icon partly derives from the Last Judgement: devils stabbing sinners who sink into a black hole.  In the centre are the rich and powerful, shown tightly packed together, stabbed by angels with a lance.  In the upper rght is the heavenly city of Jerusalem, which only the meek will attain.  The meek are painted as monks with wings, rewarded for their poverty and continuous prayer.  At the lower right, several saints are depicted in paradise.  The final text: And the rich He has sent away empty, is represented by the lone, remorseful figure of Judas sitting in a dark cave with a bag of silver pieces before him.