Dormition, Byzantine, probably Macedonia, 14th century

Christie's London, 13 December 1995, lot 380

A vertical crack running through the centre of the panel from top to bottom. The crack repaired and with associated retouching. The face of Christ damaged by the crack, with one third of the original paint on the face remaining to the right side. A larger patch of damage to the right shoulder of the apostle bending over the mother of god and another patch, possible from the flame of a candle, to the feet of the mother of god and to the face of Saint Paul. The background and border partly covered with new gesso and re-gilded. Some holes visible in the painting due to woodworm. Further woodworm damage to the bottom right corner. A few areas of minor retouching throughout the painting, though overall in good condition.
"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."

An icon of the Dormition in the church of St. Nicholas Gerakomia, Ohrid, bears particularly close stylistic comparison to the present lot (please see K. Balabanov, Icons from Macedonia, Belgrade, 1969, no. 20).  Furthermore a group of early 14th century icons illustrated in K. Wietzmann et al., The Icon, London, 1982, pp. 170-173 also present strong similarities.