Lot number 1133 - Auction 161
SEHR FEINE IKONE MIT CHRISTUS 'DAS GRIMME AUGE' MIT SILBER-RIZA

A VERY FINE ICON SHOWING CHRIST 'THE FEARSOME EYE' WITH A SILVER RIZA Russian, 16th century (icon), Russian, Moscow, 1896 (riza) Tempera on wood panel with kovcheg. The silver riza decorated with repoussé scrolling foliage. Marked with city mark, assayer's mark, 84 standard and Cyrillic master's mark 'SS'. Christ is depicted strictly frontally in bust-length, his gaze as Judge of the World directed to one side. The visible areas of the green himation and red chiton are partially highlighted with gold folds. The image of Christ, shown only to the shoulders, represents a variant of the Pantokrator type known as 'The Fearsome Eye' or 'Christ of the Fiery Gaze', which appeared in Russia in the 14th century. The type was probably inspired by representations of Christ Pantokrator in the domes of Byzantine churches. Stylistically, the painting is closely related to works by the icon painter Dionisiy. The background and border have been stripped down to the levkas, restored. 31.7 x 26.5 cm.