Lot 806
A large icon showing the Dormition of the Mother of God, Russia, Vetka, late 19th century
Works of Art, Antiquities & Ancient Art | A109kua | Live auction | 1190 Lots
Description
Wood panel with two profiled sponki on the back (one lost). Tempera on gesso, background gilt, exposed in the upper section. In the foreground, the Mother of God lying on a bier, flanked by the grieving apostles. In the front of the image, the fanatical Hebrew Jephonias attempts to overturn the catafalque bearing the body of the Mother of God. An angel is about to cut off both his hands. Behind the bier, Christ has already received the soul of the departed and holds it in the form of a swaddled infant in his left arm. He is surrounded by angels. The upper third of the composition shows the enthroned Mother of God in the centre; above her, two angels open the celestial sphere. On either side she is flanked by the apostles approaching on clouds, accompanied by angels. Lower left corner damaged. Back with minor woodworm traces. Dimensions 53.5 x 44.5 cm.Condition: II - III Questions about the lot?
