206 - RUSSIAN MODERN

RUSSIAN MODERN ICON OF THE GUARDIAN ANGEL IN A SILVER OKLAD WITH CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL IN THE ART NOUVEAU STYLE. RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 20TH CENTURY. An elegant icon of the Guardian Angel in a silver oklad adorned with polychrome cloisonné enamel, executed in the tradition of 20th-century Moscow silverwork. The piece combines Orthodox iconography with richly coloured enamel decoration characteristic of Russian jewellery and silverwork in the Art Nouveau style, incorporating elements of the Russian Revival. The Guardian Angel is depicted frontally, holding a cross in his right hand and an orb in his left. The figure is dressed in richly ornamented robes decorated with cloisonné enamel in shades of white, blue, red, green and gold. The expressive face, finely delineated details and meticulously executed ornamentation enhance the decorative appeal of the composition. The silver oklad is designed in the Russian Art Nouveau style with elements of the Russian Revival. The architecturally structured frame is embellished with raised foliate ornamentation and inset coloured stones, providing striking decorative accents. The combination of silver mounting, polychrome enamel and traditional iconography reflects the Moscow school of silversmithing`s characteristic pursuit of artistic harmony between form, material and ornament. Hallmarks: The icon bears the maker`s mark «И.Х.» accompanied by a double-headed eagle, the emblem denoting the status of Ivan Petrovich Khlebnikov`s firm as Purveyor to the Imperial Court; a Moscow assay mark bearing the silver standard «84» and depicting Saint George the Victorious on horseback, facing left; and the initials «Л.О.». The silver oklad bears a hallmark of the Moscow Assay Office depicting a woman`s head wearing a kokoshnik, facing right, together with the silver standard «84» within an oval cartouche. Dimensions: Height 12.8 cm, width 10 cm. Weight: 288 g. Condition: Good. The silver oklad and enamel decoration are well preserved. Minor signs of age, natural patina and traces of earlier restoration are present. No visible losses to the enamel or significant damage. Width: 10cm, Height: 12.8cm, Depth: 1cm, Weight: 0.288kg, Condition: Good, with traces of use, Material: Silver 84, ID: ID-ANTQ-16497