- 715
St Sophia, circa 1600
Estimate
7,000 - 9,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Wood, tempera
- 31 by 25.2cm, 12 1/4 by 10in.
the winged and crowned St Sophia depicted enthroned, with a fiery red face and dresses in Imperial red lithurgical clothes, on the left the Mother of God holding a mandorla with the image of Christ Emmanuel, on the right St John the Forerunner, Christ Pantocrator appearing above St Sophia, in the upper part six angels worshipping the Empty Throne that is being prepared for the Second Coming of Christ
Condition
Background stripped to the levkas, some 19th century restoration, especially to the faces of the figures and some minor retouching
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The personification of the Divine Wisdom is among others based on one of the proverbs by Salomon, Prov. 9,1: Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars. The iconography of St Sophia as an angel came into existence in Novgorod, independently of the Byzantine tradition. It is known that in medieval Novgorod small icons of St Sophia were presented to high ranking guests and pilgrims.