Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. Intriguing for its unusual subject matter, an icon depicting the Old Testatment Holy Prophet Abraham holding an icon of the Virgin Mary and Christ Child, delineated in egg tempera and gold leaf on wood with a decorative margin of mesmerizing faux enamelwork in deep blue, sky blue, red, yellow, and white. Obviously, Mary preceded Abraham chronologically, making this conflation of the Old Testament prophet and the Theotokos very interesting. The fact that Abraham holds the Mother of God icon before his chest alludes to "the bosom of Abraham" - traditionally regarded as the locus of salvation and intimacy with God, as Abraham is the father of the faith who was prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac to demonstrate his loyalty to God. At the moment Abraham was about to slay his promised son, an angel stayed his hand, and Abraham henceforth became the father of those who believe in God. Abraham is also regarded as the father of the three major monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Size: 10.5" W x 14" H (26.7 cm x 35.6 cm)

As for the "bosom of Abraham" concept, scholar Alfred Tradigo writes, "Luke (16:22) writes that the beggar Lazarus 'died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom.' The rich man, who had neglected to help Lazarus when alive, ends up in hell and amid his torments asks in vain for help from Abraham and Lazarus. The iconography of Abraham's bosom thus represents man's condition after death: to be in Abraham's bosom means to be saved." (Tradigo, Icons and Saints of the Eastern Orthodox Church, J. Paul Getty Museum, 2006, p. 64)

Also fascinating is that the composition of this icon is similar to that of a "blessed iconographer" icon in which a standing monk painter holds an icon that he has created. Icon painting was and continues to be regarded as a sacred act entrusted to monks. According to Tradigo, "Though not a sacrament in itself, the icon is considered a 'sacramental' object, like the Gospels, the cross, and holy water, oil, and salt." He continues, "The icon, moreover, is not painted but 'written' (zographos, 'icon painter," is related to grapho, "to write"), and the painter is considered an iconographer rather than an artist." Of course the refined painting technique of this example suggests that its creator was most definitely an accomplished artist. The history of icon painting reveals a few famous monk artists, including Andrei Rublev, about whom Joseph of Volokolamsk wrote, "Through his great love for the ascetic and monastic life, Andrei Rublev was able to lift his mind and thought to the incorporeal, and to raise his sensible eye to the figures he painted." (from Alfred Tradigo, Icons and Saints, p. 360) Icon painting was a means of attaining sainthood, and famous monk-painters included Rublev, Theophanes the Greek, and Saint Gregory the Icon Painter.

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 are encased in precious metal covers (oklads) adorned with pearls and semi-precious stones or glass-fronted wooden cases (kiots) or as we see in this example, decorated with liberal gold leaf strapwork and faux enamelwork. Icons are not worshiped, 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-Francis and Lilly Robicsek collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#119524

Minor surface wear and pigment losses commensurate with age; however, overall the piece is very well-preserved with vivid imagery. Nice areas of craquelure as well.