Lot number 1597 - Auction 142
SEHR FEINE IKONE MIT DEN GESCHEHNISSEN UM DIE GEBURT CHRISTI

AN IMPORTANT AND VERY FINE ICON NARRATING THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST Central Russian, Palekh, circa 1800 Tempera on wood panel. Finely executed in great detail on a gold ground. 35.7 x 31 cm. This remarkably detailed icon shows the Nativity of Christ in the cave above, surrounded by its subsequent episodes: at the upper corners the coming of the Magi led by the star. The hills act as natural divisions between the represented scenes. At the left border the Adoration of the Magi, at the right the flight into Egypt. The lower part depicting the Magi at Herod's palace and lastly the Massacre of the Innocents. This panel is unique in the Orthodox artistic production, because of the rarity of its subject and the high quality of its painting, as exemplified on the elaborate garments of the figures. Minor areas of retouching.