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Antique 16th c. Russian Hand-Painted Religious Icon, Saint John the Baptist

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:80.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 2,000.00 USD
Antique 16th c. Russian Hand-Painted Religious Icon, Saint John the Baptist
This Russian Orthodox icon, likely executed in tempera and gilt on a recessed wood panel, depicts Saint John the Baptist with long hair, a halo, and a green robe. He is shown holding a chalice containing the infant Christ figure, symbolizing the Lamb of God, while raising his right hand in a gesture of blessing. In his left hand, he holds a scroll inscribed in Church Slavonic with a prophetic passage referencing the coming of Christ. Red inscriptions flanking the halo identify the figure as Saint John the Forerunner. The composition is framed by a red border against an ochre ground. The surface shows notable craquelure, pigment loss, and wear consistent with age. A carved inscription on the reverse reads: "Kostromskaya Oblast (Kostroma Region), Soligalichsky Udel (Soligalich District), to Vasiliy Timofeev (dedication recipient), I will gild the hand of the godfather" (possibly symbolic or indicating who funded the icon), followed by the artist's initials "IM". Comes with a receipt from Scott Dinsmore Antiques in Provincetown, Ma.

Issued: 16th century
Dimensions: 10"L x 12"H

Condition: Age related wear. The surface shows notable craquelure, pigment loss, and wear consistent with age.