**Originally Listed At $800**

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, with his left hand resting atop a globus cruciger, the fingers of his right hand giving 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: 7" W x 8.75" H (17.8 cm x 22.2 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 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: private Orange County, California, USA collection

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#127616

Icon displays age-commensurate surface wear, small nicks along peripheries and verso, minor chips to paint, and small hairline fissure to Christ's left hand. Riza has slight bending to peripheries and nimbus, light fading to repousse details, and light tarnishing throughout. Nice paint craquelure. Back slat intact.