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A Russian Icon of St. John the Theologian in Silence with "Jeweled" Oklad
Estimate
7,000 - 9,000 USD
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Description
- the silver basma oklad, Moscow, 1781, with unidentified Cyrillic maker's initials IFS (Postnikova-Loseva #2586), the gilded silver halos, Yaroslavl, 1842, with unidentified Cyrillic maker's initials LCh, contained in a glass-fronted shadow box
- Tempera on panel, silver, pastes, wood, glass, brass
- 12 1/8 x 10 1/4 in. (excluding shadow box)
- 30.8 x 26 cm
depicting the Evangelist saint seated at half length, with his forefingers pressed to his lips, symbolizing his silence, and the figure of an angel whispering Divine Wisdom into his ear; he holds the Gospel of St. John open in his lap and a winged lion can be seen at his shoulder in the right midground; the silver basma oklad chased and repoussé with floral and architectural ornament and set with two large purple "jewels", also with gilt metal halos
Condition
the icon with some areas of restoration, the oklad and halo with minor dents and scratches consistent with age
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
In the 16th and 17th centuries, icons of the St. John receiving Divine Revelation became a particularly popular subject for the domestic chapels of the wealthy and monastic cells alike. This icon is particularly unusual because it includes the winged Lion as the symbol of the St. John the Evangelist, as described in the writings of St. Irenaeus. The attribution of the eagle to St. John was adopted by the western church and both traditions existed in Russia until the end of the 16th century, when the eagle replaced the lions on icons of St. John. See L. Ouspensky and V. Lossky, The Meaning of Icons, Crestwood, NY, 1982, p. 113.