St Andrew of Crete and Prophet Hosea, early 20th century

depicted against a deep blue background decorated with golden stars, both wearing colourful garments and holding unrolled scrolls, a medallion of Christ Emmanuel on the upper border

In very good overall condition
"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 traditional style and colour contrast of the present icon point towards the icon painter Nikolai Emelyanov who was favoured by the Imperial family and was chosen to paint the icons for the Imperial Sobor at Tsarskoye Selo. The offered lot is stylistically close to an icon of St Vladimir in a private collection in Moscow attributed to Emelyanov illustrated in I. Tarnogradsky, The Sacred Images, Moscow, 2006, ill. 167.

On October 17th 1888 the train transporting Emperor Alexander III and his family crashed outside of Borki. To commemorate the miraculous salvation, the Saint's Day of Monkmartyr Andrew of Crete and of Prophet Hosea which was celebrated on that day became of very special meaning to the Imperial family, see also Sotheby's London, 10 June 2009, lot 621.