Prince Vladimir with Saints Boris and Gleb, ROSTOV INFLUENCE, 16th century

Prince Vladimir depicted full length, flanked by his sons Boris to the left, Gleb on the right, surmounted by Christ Emmanuel making a blessing gesture with both hands

This is in very good condition for its age. The original gilding is mostly still in place. There is one strut to the reverse. 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."

The three saints are portrayed against a gold background all three holding a martyr cross in their one hand and a sword in their other hand. St Vladimir, the Grand Prince of Kiev, has a short grey beard and short grey curly hair. In his capacity as prince he wears a crown and is dressed in a tunic and a cloak decorated with gold lines. The Princes Boris and Gleb are looking at their father in three-quarter profile and are shown as young men. Boris has a short brown beard and thin moustache and Gleb does not yet have a beard.  

The beginning of Christianity in Russia is inextricably linked to Prince Vladimir of Kiev. In 988 he ordered the population of Kiev to go to the River Dnieper to be baptised as Christians. He commanded that the heathen idols be destroyed and that the image of the pagan Slavs' main god Perun be dragged by horse's tail to the Dnieper and thrown into the water. His sons, Prince Boris and Prince Gleb, are as famous as their father because they are regarded as the first true Russian saints. Boris and Gleb were murdered by their half-brother Sviatopolk in the battle over who would succeed to their father's throne. They very quickly became revered as martyrs for the non-violent way they faced their murderer and for their meekness. They were put forward as shining examples of Christian obedience and the new model of princeliness. It was their brother Yaroslav 'the Wise' in particular who encouraged the veneration of Boris and Gleb, after defeating his step-brother Sviatopolk in 1019 and subsequently gaining the throne.  

The icon is painted in bright and vivid colours. The rather unusual light blue, pink and light green tones are reminiscent of Rostov icon painting in the 15^th and 16^th century. In combination with the rich gold background and the fact that the subject of Vladimir with his sons Boris and Gleb was rather popular in Rostov during this period one might designate this icon to the Rostov region.