Lot number 653 - Auction 151
BEDEUTENDE GROSSE IKONE MIT DER GEBURT CHRISTI

AN IMPORTANT AND LARGE ICON SHOWING THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST Russian, Novgorod, early 16th century Egg tempera on gessoed wood panel with kovcheg. Against a rocky landscape. The Mother of God lying in the upper part of the composition, in front of her Christ placed in an altar-shaped manger. To the left the Kings offering their gifts, two shepherds standing to the right. In the foreground another shepherd conveying the news of Christ's Birth to Joseph and opposite, two maids preparing the bath. At the top the angels pointing to the shining star. The finely painted icon is executed predominantely in reds and blues against a pastel background. Inset into a later panel (vrezka), restored. 44.8 x 36 cm.