MOTHER OF GOD WITH SCENES, Greece, dated 1664

signed through the hand of Filoteos Ieromonachos Skoufos; Mother of God painted against a gold background, flanked by the two Archangels Michael and Gabriel on clouds, with St. John the Forerunner to the left, and St John the Theologian to the right, scenes in the upper and lower register have not been identified

Darkened varnish throughout the painting. Some damage to the gesso, especially to the left, near St John the Forerunner, and in the lower right corner in the depiction of the Icon of the Mother of God some scratches and the gilding in the lower border. We would advise prospective buyers to view the lot.
"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 well known Cretan icon painter and priest Filotheos Skoufos (1638-1685), was born in Chania, Crete as the son of a scholar Frangiscus Skoufas; after the fall of Chania in 1645, he followed the example of many scholars and artists and emigrated; at first he went to Souda where he was asked to return to Chania in order to spy on the Turkish enemy; in 1646 he left Crete and went to Corfu, where he collaborated with his colleague, icon painter Emmanuel Tzanes; from 1645 onwards he lived in Venice; in all probability Filotheos Skoufos painted the present icon dated 1664, in Venice, shortly before he left for Zakynthos in 1665 where he spent the rest of his life until his death in 1685.