Lot number 1659 - Auction 142
SEHR FEINE IKONE MIT DER ENTHAUPTUNG JOHANNES DES VORLÄUFERS MIT VERMEIL-BASMA

A VERY FINE ICON SHOWING THE BEHEADING OF ST. JOHN THE FORERUNNER WITH BASMA Russian, 17th century (icon), Russian, 18th century (basma) Tempera on wood panel with double kovcheg. The palisaded construction at the right representing John's prison. To the left the Decollation of the Baptist. A basin containting the severed head in the dark cave at the foot of the rocky mountain. Depicted against a rocky landscape. Christ appearing amidst clouds above and blessing the event. The individual faces rendered with fine brushstrokes, the drapery of the garments formed with gradations of the same colour. The applied haloes with cloisonné enamel. The silver-gilt basma chased with scrolling foliage. Minimally restored. 32.7 x 26.9 cm.