72 - Saint Catherine of Alexandria and a Holy Ascetic under the Protection of an Angel - Early 20th century

Saint Catherine of Alexandria and a Holy Ascetic under the Protection of an Angel - Early 20th century Egg tempera on panel Height x width: 27 x 22 cm This icon is a refined example of Russian sacred painting, characterized by a fascinating synthesis of traditional Eastern hieraticism and the naturalistic influences of Western academic art prevalent at the time. The hagiographic composition features two prominent saints standing in the foreground, set within an open, verdant, hilly landscape rendered with a distinctly modern atmospheric sensibility. On the left stands Saint Nicholas—identifiable by an inscription in Cyrillic characters in the background—depicted here not in conventional episcopal vestments, but in a manner that conveys an intimate, ascetic quality; he bears his characteristic features—a white beard and a high forehead—and is shown in an attitude of devotion, with his right hand resting on his chest and his left hand holding a white flower, a symbol of purity and holiness. To the right appears the majestic figure of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, portrayed with the regal attributes of her rank and the symbols of her martyrdom: her head is adorned with a jeweled diadem, while her opulent garments and finely embroidered scarlet mantle contrast with the slender wooden cross held in her right hand and the massive, broken spiked wheel upon which her left arm rests. Serving as both the theological and visual anchor of the scene, a monumental angel in pristine white robes emerges in the background from a radiant epiphany of golden light; with wings unfurled and arms outstretched in a gesture of solemn protection, the angel hovers above the two saints, underscoring the otherworldly nature of the encounter. The sacred narrative is skillfully framed by a lobed arch and set within a sumptuous gold-ground border, adorned with a dense network of arabesques, vegetal motifs, and polychrome scrolls—all executed with the exceptional, miniature-like precision reminiscent of the precious cloisonné enamelwork found in the Neo-Russian tradition. Stylistically, the piece reveals a masterful level of painterly execution, evident in the delicate, deeply expressive faces, the soft, voluminous rendering of the drapery, and the sophisticated use of shading and highlights—qualities that place this panel among the finest artistic achievements produced between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. H.E. Most Rev. Francisco-Javier Lozano Sebastián, Titular Archbishop of Penafiel and Apostolic Nuncio Emeritus. Item condition rating: **** good. The lot is in good condition, with normal wear and defects commensurate with its age and use over time. Some color loss.