MURDER OF THE TSAREVICH DMITRY OF UGLICH, RUSSIAN, POSSIBLY EARLY 18TH CENTURY |

tempera on wood

The icon covered with a darkened varnish and some dirt. With areas of retouching throughout, especially to the background and architecture in the centre. With several losses all the way to the wood and a few small areas of paint detaching from the surface. The icon would benefit from a professional restoration.
"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."

Known outside of Russia mostly through the Mussorgsky opera 'Boris Godunov', Tsarevich Dmitry (1582-1591) was the only surviving son of Tsar Ivan IV 'The Terrible'. Most likely murdered aged only eight years old, he was the last direct male line descendant of the Rurik dynasty, which ruled Russia or its parts from as early as the 9th century. His death brought with it the Time of Troubles, which ended with the establishment of the new Romanov dynasty. In 1606 Dmitry was canonised as a Saint by the Russian Orthodox Church; he is considered to be the Patron Saint of children, orphans and the disabled.