2 - Russian icon composed of four panels and made of mixed materials—Early 20th century

Russian icon composed of four panels and made of mixed materials—Early 20th century Egg tempera on panel and gold leaf Height x width: 53 x 44 cm Organized according to a rigorous grid pattern, the work consists of nine main panels, flanked on either side by four full-length patron saints. The composition is conceived as a rich theological compendium, uniting the most significant Marian prototypes with the figures of the most venerated saints in the Orthodox world. The complex visual architecture of the panel begins in the top-left section, which depicts the “Three-Handed” Mother of God—shown as a half-length figure and crowned as Queen of Heaven, with her characteristic third hand (an ex-voto) visible at the base. This is followed in the center by the solemn, dogmatic iconography of the Mother of God “of the Sign,” shown in a rigid, prayerful pose with raised hands and a *clipeus* (medallion) containing the Divine Infant Emmanuel on her chest. The row concludes on the right with the Mother of God “of Silence”—or a closely related, tender variant—in which the Virgin is enveloped in a maphorion of a particularly vivid, cinnabar-red hue. In the central register, the left-hand panel features an imposing half-length image of Saint Nicholas of Myra in his traditional role as archbishop and miracle-worker; he wears episcopal vestments adorned with crosses and holds a closed book of the Gospels. The central panel contains a highly detailed, multi-figured liturgical scene arranged across two registers, depicting an assembly of saints—or Church Fathers—gathered around an altar within a turreted architectural setting. To its right is the Mother of God “Soothe My Sorrows”—or a related type representing “Tenderness”—in which the Virgin gently rests her hand against her own cheek, her head inclined toward the Child Jesus, who holds an unrolled scroll. The lower register opens on the left with a second, complementary half-length episcopal portrait—a Holy Hierarch or Bishop—depicted holding an open Book of the Gospels featuring meticulous Old Slavonic script. In the center, the composition continues with a dynamic and triumphant portrayal of Saint George slaying the dragon; mounted on his white steed, he pierces the beast against the backdrop of a fortified citadel, from which the rescued princess leans out. The register concludes on the right with the hieratic, half-length figure of a Holy Martyr or Warrior, dressed in a purple chlamys and holding the cross of martyrdom. Along the two narrow outer margins, four full-length intercessory saints—patron saints of the commissioning family—are arranged in two tiers on each side; these include a Guardian Angel in the upper-left corner, accompanied by ascetic monks and female martyrs in the remaining compartments. In terms of style and color, the work reveals superb skill in miniature painting, evidenced by the master’s ability to harmonize the various theological scenes through a masterful geometric balance. Item condition rating: **** good. The lot is in good condition, with normal wear and defects commensurate with its age and use over time.