Lot number 1707 - Auction 131
AN IMPORTANT TRIPTYCH COMMEMORATING ALEXANDER III OF RUSSIA

AN IMPORTANT TRIPTYCH COMMEMORATING ALEXANDER III OF RUSSIA Russian, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius in Sergiyev Posad, 1894 Tempera on wood panels. At center on a gilt panel with decoratively incised borders, a finely painted inset wood crucifix. Lower left the three Mary's and at lower right the Apostle John and the Roman centurion Longinus with each figure identified by the inscription above their head. The top of the left wing with a finely painted image of the Removal from the Cross within a circular medallion cartouche within incised border, and below a full length image of a monastic saint identified by the inscription above his head as 'Holy John of the Ladder'. The right wing with a similarly painted image within a circular medallion depicting the Placement into the Tomb, and below a monastic saint identified by the inscription above his head as 'Holy Joseph the Hymnographer'. Verso of central panel with a dedicatory inscription, 'THIS ICON WAS PAINTED IN COMMEMORATION OF THE SOVEREIGN IMPERIAL ALEXANDER III TO THE TRINITY SERGIEV LEVRA'. Contained in a custom-made polished rosewood hinged triptych frame with flush mounted spring release. Minimally worn. 28.8 x 51 cm (extended).