An Imperial silver-gilt and cloisonné enamel icon of Christ Pantocrator, Grachev, St Petersburg, 1894

the Holy Figure finely painted on metal, signed lower left 'Platonov', His robes and chiton repoussé and engraved, the gospel page of champlevé enamel, the riza enamelled with a floral diaper pattern, the frame, corner brackets and halo with light and dark blue scrolls and translucent red flowers on stippled grounds, struck with unidentified workmaster's initials AP (Cyrillic), 88 standard, the reverse applied with a silver-gilt presentation plaque inscribed in Russian 'A blessing to His Imperial Highness/ Grand Prince/ Pavel Alexandrovich' dated 10 June 1894, the plaque struck with illegible maker's mark, possibly _F (Cyrillic), 84 standard, in a wood kiot with plush-covered mount

Presented to Grand Duke Paul Alexandrovich (1860-1919) Possibly with Hammer Galleries, New York, from whom purchased by the parents of the present owners

Excellent condition. Prospective buyers are advised to request a photograph of the original painting from the Russian department.
"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."

Feodor Platonov was an independent icon painter in St Petersburg who supplied Fabergé, Grachev and other makers, and carried out orders for the Imperial Cabinet.  Another icon painted by him was also given to Grand Duke Paul Alexandrovich on the eve of his wedding in 1889, a gift from his ten valets (sold, Sotheby's London, 1 December 2010, lot 704).  Another Platonov icon was mounted by Grachev in the same year as the present lot (sold, Christie's New York, 20 May 2015, lot 124).  The present lot is similar to another by the same unidentified maker AP, also retailed by Grachev, given to Emperor Nicholas II (sold, Sotheby's New York, 15-16 April 2008, lot 493).