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Russia, ca. 19th c CE. An icon of Jesus Christ in egg tempera on wood w/ a silver oklad depicting his elaborate halo w/ intricately cut and delineated rays, the billowing fabrics of his robes, a cross topped orb held in his left hand, and a repousse border. The oklad is pierced to reveal Christ's painted visage and hands, his right hand giving benediction. The oklad assayed at 84, which is clearly marked, but city hallmark and assayers mark are illegible. The maker is denoted as AP, perhaps Afanasiy Portnov (1837-1864) or Andrey Petrov (1874-1877). Size: 5.375" L x 3.375" W (13.7 cm x 8.6 cm)

This icon most likely was kept in someone’s home. According to Jeanne Marie Warzeski, scholar and curator of the North Carolina Museum of History's "Windows into Heaven" exhibition, "In the early Byzantine Empire, the home became the primary base for the development of icon veneration. Throughout the ensuing centuries, icons continued to receive honor in homes and churches. To this day, many Orthodox Christians create for prayer and meditation in their home a krasny ugol, or “beautiful corner,” where family icons are placed. Guests entering a house customarily honor the icons in the corner by crossing themselves before the objects. An oil lamp is set near the icons and is lit daily, according to Orthodox tradition."

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. Icons are not worshiped, but are instead venerated for their ability to focus the power of an individual's prayer to God. As a focus for prayers and meditation for believers, icons serve as “windows into heaven.”



Provenance: Ex-Francis & Lilly Robicsek Collection, Charlotte, NC

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#120667

Silver oklad shows minor creases and denting around periphery and expected tarnish. Painted image appears excellent thanks to the protection of the oklad, but wood shows a split, small losses and perforations at top.