Russian Works of Art, Fabergé and Icons

A large icon with Christ enthroned as High Priest, Russia, Kostroma Region, mid-17th century

VAT reduced rate

Auction Closed

November 30, 06:31 PM GMT

Estimate

8,000 - 12,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

A large icon with Christ enthroned as High Priest, Russia, Kostroma Region, mid-17th century

an ochre coloured background, combining the attributes of King and High Priest Christ is dressed in the ceremonial robes of a Byzantine emperor: a sakkos with long, wide sleeves, finely embroidered with crosses, also wearing a crown set with precious stones and holds a patriarchal staff, an omophorion draped over his left shoulder, making a sign of blessing with his right hand and holding open a Gospel Book in his other, his feet resting on a foot stool, Cherubim and Serafim in the top corners, six-winged heavenly creatures, glorifying Christ

98 by 85 cm; 38½by 33½in.

Private collection, Switzerland

The variant of Christ Enthroned as High Priest is quite rare in Russian art and is connected with Byzantine-Slav iconography. Christ is described in the Letter to the Hebrews as the Eternal High Priest (Heb 3:1-10:39). 'He, because he remains forever, has a priesthood that does not pass away'. The Enthroned Christ Pantocrator is one of the most important subjects in Russian religious art. The composition developed in the 12th to 13th century in Byzantium and spread throughout Russia during the 15th and 16th centuries. In Russia the popularity of the subject is closely connected to the development of the iconostasis, of which Christ Enthroned actually forms the central part and focus point.