349 - Exquisite miniature iconostasis depicting the Passion, the Deesis, and the Feast Cycle. Central Russia, Old Believer workshop, 18th–19th centuries. H 53.3 cm, W 44 cm. Mixed tempera technique on primed wooden panel with kowtscheg. Original silver leaf ground with gold lacquer. Iconostasis executed in the finest miniature painting style, featuring an extensive program of scenes from the history of salvation across six registers. At the top, five architecturally framed scenes from the Passion of Christ, with the Crucifixion at the center. Below, hierarchically arranged rows of prophets, apostles, and saints holding scrolls. In the center is the Deesis, depicting Christ as the Pantocrator and Judge of the World, flanked by the Mother of God and John the Baptist in a posture of intercession. The feast day series includes the major feasts of the Orthodox liturgical year, including the Nativity and Presentation of the Virgin Mary, the Nativity of Christ, the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, the Baptism in the Jordan, the Resurrection, the Entry into Jerusalem, the Transfiguration, the Old Testament Trinity, the Ascension, and the Exaltation of the Cross. The lower section is formed by the local series featuring the Royal Doors. Extremely fine, traditional miniature painting with nuanced flesh tones, linearly accentuated folds in the robes, and numerous Church Slavonic inscriptions. A collector’s item! With an expert appraisal by Franz Bausback, Mannheim, dated May 4, 1979! Age-related craquelure and minor losses along the edges. Old, inactive wormholes. The reverse shows restoration work and three later wooden strips for stabilization. Provenance: Dr. Gerhard Müller-Alfers, Speyer, 1970s/1980s. Acquired from Franz Bausback, Mannheim, in 1979.