Russian Enamelled Bronze Travelling Triptych Icon, Late 19th Century

175€

A Russian travelling triptych icon, or skladen, depicting the Dormition of the Mother of God, the Resurrection of Christ and the Baptism of Christ. Copper alloy with three-colour enamel, late 19th century.

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Description

A small Russian travelling triptych icon, or skladen, made of cast copper alloy with remains of three-colour enamel.

The icon is composed of three hinged panels. The central panel depicts the Resurrection of Christ, with the Saviour shown frontally in a mandorla-like radiance, surrounded by attendant sacred figures. The left wing represents the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God, with the Virgin laid upon her bier and Christ appearing above to receive her soul. The right wing shows the Baptism of Christ, or Theophany, with Christ standing in the waters of the Jordan.

The cast relief decoration is enriched with remains of silvering and translucent enamel in blue, green and amber-orange tones. The reverse of one wing is decorated with a coloured enamel cross motif within an ornamental border. The compact folding construction allowed the icon to be carried during travel and used for private devotion.

Bronze and copper-alloy folding icons of this type were widely used in the Russian Empire, especially among Old Believer communities. They were valued for their durability, portability and devotional significance.

Material:
Copper alloy, three-colour enamel; casting, chasing, enamelling.

Origin:
Russian Empire.

Period:
Late 19th century.

Dimensions:
Closed: 6.5 × 6 × 1.5 cm.
Opened: 6.5 × 16.4 × 0.7 cm.

Condition:
Age-related wear, patina, rubbing, small losses to the enamel and traces of use. Hinges and folding construction are visible. Condition is shown in the photographs.