Lot 122
  • 122

A Russian icon of the Kurskaya Korennaya Mother of God, circa 1700

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • tempera on panel
  • 17 1/2 x 14 1/2 in., 44.5 x 36.8 cm
depicting the Mother of God of the Sign surrounded by the Lord Sabaoth and figures of Prophets holding scrolls, the lower border with a prayer to the Mother of God

Condition

with areas of repair and loss, particularly around the borders, as well as discoloration
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

The Kursk Icon of the Mother of God, Found Among the Roots, is so called because the wonderworking image was discovered in the roots of an oak tree in 1295. It depicts the Mother of the God of the Sign with the Lord Sabaoth and Old Testament Prophets, all holding scrolls inscribed with their prophesies of the Mother of God. This icon is consideredsacred to the Russian army, particularly the Cossacks, and was often brought to bless the troops before important battles. The prototype for this icon was taken abroad in 1919 and since 1951 has been installed in New York, where it has come to be known as the Hodegetria of the Russian Diaspora.