Estimate
€ 200 - 300
Aggiudicato
Current bid Starting bid
€ 150
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At auction on Thursday 6 November 2025 at 11:30
Information
35x30 cm
The icon depicts the Orthodox feast of the Pokrov, associated with the apparition of the Virgin to Saint Andrew of Constantinople, the Fool-for-Christ, as she spread her veil over the faithful in protection, and with the tradition of the holy deacon Romanos the Melodist, author of the Akathist hymn. According to legend, the Virgin appeared to Romanos and made him swallow a scroll, granting him a melodious voice with which he sang her praises throughout his life. Romanos is shown both standing on the ambo of Hagia Sophia singing his famous Christmas kontakion (whose opening words are inscribed on the scroll) and lying sick in bed receiving the apparition of the Virgin. Andrew the Fool, like Romanos, appears in the lower register pointing to the vision of the Virgin on a cloud with her veil, surrounded by saints in deesis, in the upper register.
The icon depicts the Orthodox feast of the Pokrov, associated with the apparition of the Virgin to Saint Andrew of Constantinople, the Fool-for-Christ, as she spread her veil over the faithful in protection, and with the tradition of the holy deacon Romanos the Melodist, author of the Akathist hymn. According to legend, the Virgin appeared to Romanos and made him swallow a scroll, granting him a melodious voice with which he sang her praises throughout his life. Romanos is shown both standing on the ambo of Hagia Sophia singing his famous Christmas kontakion (whose opening words are inscribed on the scroll) and lying sick in bed receiving the apparition of the Virgin. Andrew the Fool, like Romanos, appears in the lower register pointing to the vision of the Virgin on a cloud with her veil, surrounded by saints in deesis, in the upper register.
The vision of Saint Andrew took place, according to tradition, in the Church of Blachernae in Constantinople, where the Virgin’s omophorion brought from Jerusalem was preserved. Andrew, together with his disciple Epiphanius and the people praying during a night vigil for the city’s deliverance, saw the Mother of God accompanied by angels, Saint John the Baptist, and Saint John the Theologian. The Virgin approached the altar, prayed kneeling, then raised her omophorion and spread it in protection over those present. The enemies retreated and the city was saved. The event is believed to have occurred during the reign of Emperor Leo VI (886–911).
Minor defects and restorations.
Икона на доске «Покров Пресвятой Богородицы», Россия, XIX век
Икона на доске «Покров Пресвятой Богородицы», Россия, XIX век
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Condition report
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We urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. We always suggest prospective buyers to inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition during the exhibition days as indicated in the catalog.
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