A silver-gilt icon of Saint Mitrofan, Bishop of Voronezh, Mikhail Borodulin, St Petersburg, 1835

the gilt oklad repoussé, the pierced halo and relief mitre set with pastes, 84 standard

Some scattered minor losses to the painted surface throughout. The halo detached but complete, some of the silver tips to the upper edge bent. The oklad very slightly misshapen and with some small losses to the edge where previous attached to the wood by pins. A very small and thin split running approximate 1cm down from the top centre of the robes.
"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."

Voronezh developed into a sizeable town under the reign of Peter I following the foundation of a dockyard there, and in 1682 an Orthodox diocese was established under Bishop Mitrofan.  During his tenure the Annunciation Cathedral was commissioned to counter the secular influence of the Tsar.  Fourteen years after his death in 1703, the bishop's remains were exhumed 'whole' and declared to have healing properties.  In 1832 he was officially canonised, and in 2003 a monument was erected in his honour before the Cathedral in Voronezh.