**Originally Listed At $900**

Russia, 18th century CE. A stunning brass enameled triptych icon, showing, from left to right, the Virgin Mary, Christ as an adult, and an angel, probably Gabriel, holding the Christ child. Pale and dark blue enamel give depth to the scenes. Each are densely packed with symbolism. Mary gestures to a text written on a scroll, her head tilted downward. Christ stands holding a book with his right hand raised in blessing, his fingers spelling out “IC XC”, a widely used four letter abbreviation of the Greek for Jesus (IHCOYC) Christ (XPICTOC). In addition to spelling out “I” and “X”, his three fingers speak to the concept of the Holy Trinity of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The touching finger and thumb spell out “C”, and also attest to the Incarnation, the concept that, in corporeal form, Jesus is both divine and human in nature. In the third scene, Gabriel seems to dote upon the Christ child, one finger raised as if to entertain him. Throughout are the ornate designs and heavy detail common in Christian Orthodox art; the climbing vines visible behind Mary and Christ are particularly beautiful. Size: 14.7" W x 5.3" H (37.3 cm x 13.5 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Private LA County collection

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#117253

Expected wear with minor age encrustations to the enamel on one lower side of one triptych. Colors are bright and forms are clear.