Lot number 1600 - Auction 161
AUSSERST SELTENE UND GROSSE IKONE 'DAS WORT WARD FLEISCH'

AN EXTREMELY RARE AND LARGE ICON 'THE WORD BECAME FLESH' Russian, mid to second half 18th century Tempera on wood panel. The ornamentally decorated border gilded, with chrysography. The extremely rare iconographic representation of 'The Word Became Flesh' refers to the Gospel of John (John 1:14). At the centre, the youthful Christ appears wearing only a loincloth within a radiant mandorla. He is flanked by adoring angels, with cherubim and seraphim at his feet. At the upper border, God the Father is depicted as the 'Ancient of Days', from whom a ray of light containing the dove of the Holy Spirit descends towards Christ. Partially restored. 43.2 x 36 cm.