Anastasis, Moscow, first half 16th century (vrezka)

Christ, encompassed within a mandorla in two shades of blue, stands upon the broken gates of hell holding a scroll in one hand while with the other He raises Adam from the dead, on the opposite side Eve kneeling, to the left Kings David and Solomon, St John the Forerunner and the prophet Daniel, on the right Moses with the tablets and a group of saints

The background stripped to the levkas, a patch of restoration in the lower part of the icon (rocks), some minor retouching to the painting
"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.
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The painter of the icon has combined a monumental composition with a bright colour palette and fine attention to detail. The style of the painting indicates a dating in the first half of the 16^th century and a provenance from the Moscow region.

The Resurrection of Christ is for Orthodox Christians 'the Feast of all Feasts'. The penultimate image of the Resurrection is the Descent into Hell. It is this image that allows the Orthodox artist to express the essence of the Resurrection in the most profound way, by depicting the victory over death and the raising up of all who have waited for salvation since the days of Adam. Although there is no mention of this in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke or John, it is described in great detail in the apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus.