Lot number 699 - Auction 156
MUSEALE IKONE MIT DER KREUZIGUNG CHRISTI MIT BASMA AUS DER SAMMLUNG MOROZOW

AN IMPORTANT ICON SHOWING THE CRUCIFIXION OF CHRISTWITH BASMA FROM THE MOROZOV COLLECTION Russian, circa 1500 Tempera on wood panel with double kovcheg. The borders overlaid with chased and repoussé metal foil. Applied haloes. The vertical axis of the panel is formed by the body of Christ on the cross. To His left stand the mourning Mother of God and Mary Magdalene, to his right stand John, who has placed his hand in mourning on his cheek, and Longinus with a red cloak and shield. Below the cross appears the skull of Adam. Beneath the arms of the cross are four round medallions depicting the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, as well as the Evangelist Matthew and Saint Nicholas of Myra. In the background, the city wall of Jerusalem completes the composition. On the reverse old collection label 'Morozov' in Cyrillic. 24.8 x 20.2 cm. Images of Christ's death on the cross in Byzantine and ancient Russian art were typically characterized by a particular restraint in conveying the Savior's suffering and the tragic experiences of the witnesses to His execution. Christ, whose body is shown in an elegant curve, appears to float bodiless on the cross. The focus is not on His physical suffering but on His role as the Savior of humanity, His imminent resurrection, and His victory over death, opening the way to eternal life. Provenance: Andreas Tostrup Urbye (1869-1955): A Norwegian civil servant and politician, he entered the diplomatic service and was stationed in Moscow from 1924 to 1939.