Description:

Russia, ca. 19th century CE. A fine wooden icon depicting the "Adoration of the Magi" (Adoration of the Kings, Matthew 2:1 ff) painted in sumptuous tempera jewel tones. Caspar, or Jasper, the oldest of the kings, kneels before the infant Christ who rests in a manger surrounded by Mary and Joseph and offers his gift of gold. Behind him are Balthazar and Melchior, the youngest without a beard. The symbolism of their gifts is as follows: gold as homage to Christ's kingship, frankincense as homage to his divinity, and myrrh used in his embalming, a foreshadowing of his death. In the background we see the three shepherds again, perhaps alluding to the Annunciation to the Shepherds or the artist's wish to portray them earlier on their journey from the east. The entire scene is bordered and beautifully composed. A lovely example! Size: 8.5" L x 5.75" W (21.6 cm x 14.6 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Nikotovich collection acquired before 1980

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#113083

  • Condition: Surface wear with some paint losses as shown. Minor nicks to peripheries.

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April 20, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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