AV-5008/1

Containers:

Box SC-07 Box 1, Folder 8, Item SC07.02.3.061

Creator:

Hammer Galleries

Extent:

1 page

Scope and content:

Transcription: [double-headed eagle] Article No. AV-5008/1 Oval icon medallion of solid gold. On one side is an exquisite enamel miniature of Jesus Christ dressed in blue and orange robes against a ground of brown scrolls on beige. His right hand is held in blessing, while in his left he is holding the open scripture. The Greek symbols about his shoulders are for "Jesus Christ", while those above the halo are for the "Eternal Christ". On the reverse side, on a ground of white enamel, is inscribed in black – "Save and Protect". The gold is hall-marked with a number "56" denoting the Russian equivalent of 14 karat gold, and the device of the Moscow assay office. Found in St. Petersburg. The fascinating history of icons can be traced back to the time of the pyramids in Egypt, but the oldest examples are to be found today in the Russian churches. The primary influence was that of the Byzantine, which accounts for their resemblance to the Italian primitives, with which we are more familiar. The spiritual feeling in these works of art is the expression of the monks, who executed them after long and fervent prayer. Larger icons are usually painted on wooden plaques; the small ones were more personal and were worn about the neck or carried in the pocket to be near at hand in time of need.

Mrs. John L. Pratt October 2nd, 1937

FROM THE HAMMER COLLECTION – 682 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK

Language:

English

Acquisition information:

Gift of Lillian Thomas Pratt.

Biographical / historical:

American--1

Physical description:

Paper

Physical facet:

Sales records

Other descriptive data:

Hammer Collection, Hammer Galleries, Fifth Avenue

Digitization of the Lillian Thomas Pratt Archives has been made possible by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Names:

Hammer Galleries

Places:

New York (N.Y.)

Access and use