A large icon of the Tikhvin Mother of God, Mstera, Vladimir region, late 19th century

with a brass repoussé and chased oklad decorated with foliate and shell borders, the halos with bands of scrolling foliage and pan-Slavic inspired geometric frieze

There are two struts to the reverse and eight smaller butterfly struts supporting repaired vertical splits running the full length of the icon. The splits have been crudely infilled as visible in the photograph. There is further restoration to the lower left corner. Extensive paint loss is visible to the ground and child's robes. There is raised craquelure in many places throughout and chips of paintloss particularly to the Virgin's brow and neck. The child's right hand and the Virgin's right hand both appear to have been re-painted. The gilt is rubbed. Green gesso inlaid along cracks. The oklad is not attached to the icon but mounted on a separte wooden board. There are dents and pins missing in places but in overall good condition. We would advise propsective buyers to view.
"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."