Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. Finely painted in egg tempera on gesso atop wood and covered with a gorgeous brass riza or oklad, literally meaning "trimming," an icon of Christ as Salvator Mundi, Savior of the World. He is depicted with gentle facial features and locks of cascading brown hair, as his left hand rests atop a globus cruciger and the fingers of his right give benediction, arranged to form the initials of Christ's monogram, IC XC. The brass oklad festoons the image with a meticulously-cut and engraved nimbus, with flowing robes and globus cruciger in repousse, an integral framework of floral motifs, and thin lateral areas of Russian strapwork. Size: 8.8" W x 11" H (22.4 cm x 27.9 cm)

The oklad or riza, sometimes referred to as a revetment in English, is a metal cover, in this case brass, that not only protects the icon, but also serves to honor or venerate the figure(s) depicted on the icon. Oklads are usually adorned with repousse work and pierced to reveal elements of the underlying painting. This artisan truly knew how to bring brass to life in a manner that both complements and uplifts the painted image.

Icons (icon means "image" in Greek) are sacred objects within the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition. Found in homes as well as churches, these painted images depict holy persons and saints as well as illustrate scenes from the Scriptures. Some icons, like this example, are encased in metal covers (oklads). Icons are not worshipped but are instead venerated for their ability to focus the power of an individual's prayer to God. As such they are truly "windows into heaven."

Provenance: ex-Nancy and Dr. E.F. Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from 1970 to 2000

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#171871

Some minor tearing to brass oklad with some minor losses near peripheries. Slight bending and indentations to oklad but form and detail are still clear. Otherwise, excellent with great patina and nice craquelure to tempera.