Lot number 541 - Auction 156
SEHR FEINE IKONE MIT DEN GESCHEHNISSEN UM DIE GEBURT CHRISTI

A VERY FINE ICON NARRATING THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST Central Russian, Palekh, early 19th century Tempera on wood panel with kovcheg. Finely executed in great detail with gold details. This remarkably detailed icon shows the Nativity of Christ in the cave above, surrounded by its subsequent episodes: at the upper corners the coming of the Magi led by the star. The hills act as natural divisions between the represented scenes. At the left border the Adoration of the Magi, at the right the flight into Egypt. The lower part depicting the Magi at Herod's palace and lastly the Massacre of the Innocents. This panel is unique in the Orthodox artistic production, because of the rarity of its subject and the high quality of its painting, as exemplified on the elaborate garments of the figures. The border stripped to gesso, partially restored. 35.8 x 30.1 cm.