Lot number 2137 - Auction 151
BEDEUTENDER SATZ VON NEUN IKONEN AUS DEM DEESIS-RANG EINER KIRCHEN-IKONOSTASE

AN IMPORTANT SET OF NINE ICONS FROM THE DEESIS TIER OF A CHURCH ICONOSTASIS Russian, early 19th century Wood panels, egg tempera on gesso (levkas), haloes gilded, garment folds with gold assist. The background stripped to gesso, with partial retouching. 120 x 75 cm (Christ enthroned) / 115.5 x 56.8 cm (Mother of God and John the Forerunner) / 106 x 44-47 cm (Archangels and Apostles). The ensemble comprises Christ as the enthroned Pantocrator, flanked by the Mother of God and John the Forerunner (the Baptist). To either side stand the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, the Apostles Peter and Paul, together with the Evangelists Matthew and John. This arrangement follows the traditional order of the Deesis tier, occupying the central zone of the iconostasis and expressing the heavenly intercession on behalf of humankind. The figures are symmetrically arranged and distinguished as intercessors before Christ by their raised hands. Executed in finely detailed painting with delicately modelled flesh tones and garments enriched with flowing pleats.