A Rare Early Russian Silver and Enamel Icon

Item Details

A rare early silver and champlevé enamel Russian icon with old documentation adhered to the back. The shield shaped frame is entirely covered in enamel decoration with an applied silver border at the cutout section that frames the painted face of Jesus and the picture of a hand that is a printed image added at a much later date. The back of the frame is covered in burnt orange ribbed fabric with an armature that was obviously a later addition. The typed documentation at the back is brittle and hard to decipher but what can be made out is the following; ‘Silver Russian Icon with silver shield completely…Silver enamel Russian Icons are now impossible to locate and are …….(considered by ?) collectors priceless. This one was the first Russian enameled icon made by Gorevic…(purchased ?) by me from his great, great grandson who is still alive. ……belonged to what is known as ’The Gorevic Enamel School’…..‘The Gorevic School of Painted Icons’ Circa 1695. I considered this icon the very highest spot in my icon collection because of it’s age, beautiful workmanship and the fact that a ……from this school is now unobtainable at any price…..hoping you will exhibit with your splendid collection of icons. This is, in my opinion at least, is the finest collection…’ signed B.A. Please preview for your best sense of authenticity considering the later aspects of the icon mentioned earlier in the description.

Condition

, considering age. Much of the enamel decoration remains colorful and intact. The painted face of Jesus shows crazing, as to be expected. The hand in the lower cut out portion is sadly a printed piece that was added at a much later date. Please preview for your best sense of condition and authenticity.

Dimensions

Item #

15CIN009-078