A Feast Day Icon, Palekh, Second Half of the 19th Century

executed on a gold ground in tempera, inscribed in Cyrillic on the reverse: Work painted in Palekh, 65,00 prepaid, 1883 Moscow



 

There are some retouchings mainly along an old crack in the upper left part of the panel. There is some general wear consistent with age. In overall good condition. We would advise prospective 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."

Many of the most refined icons during the 18th and 19th Century were produced in the famous town of Palekh. The Old Believers endeavoured to hold fast to the old traditions of Russian Orthodoxy, and rejected Western ideas associated with the Enlightenment and Romanticism. During the 18th and 19th century they preserved and disseminated Russia's old cultural heritage. Palekh was the largest and best-known centre for icon painters from this circle. The fame of the Palekh school comes from the extreme delicacy and refinement of its painters' craftsmanship and skills. Their brilliant, miniature style developed from the paintings of the Stroganov school in the 17th century.