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SILVER Seller in Alpes-Maritimes, France
A compelling icon of Christ Pantocrator, painted in oil on panel and executed in the tradition of Russian National Romanticism of the early twentieth century. Christ is depicted raising His right hand in blessing while holding the open Gospel in His left. The artistic conception of the image reflects the aesthetic language of Viktor Vasnetsov and the distinctive direction of Russian ecclesiastical painting that emerged at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The spiritually expressive countenance, subtle modelling of light and shadow, restrained yet noble palette, and profound psychological presence closely relate the icon to works inspired by the celebrated murals of St. Vladimirs Cathedral in Kyiv. The icon is mounted within a finely crafted silver basma (oklad) of 84 standard silver, richly ornamented with chased and engraved decoration. The borders are framed by a continuous frieze of grape clusters, flowers and intertwining vines. The vine motif traditionally symbolizes Christ as the True Vine, emphasizing the Eucharistic significance of the composition. The refined quality of the chasing and the harmonious dialogue between the painted image and the silver mount make this icon a distinguished example of Moscow ecclesiastical craftsmanship from the final decades of Imperial Russia. Of particular artistic importance is the silver basma created by the Moscow silversmith Semyon Grigoryevich Galkin, one of the accomplished masters active during the closing years of the Russian Empire. The icon is preserved in its original wooden display case fitted with a velvet-lined back panel.
ID: 103387-1788902480-163419
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