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A VERY FINE SILVER GILT AND ENAMELED RUSSIAN ICON OF SAINT THEODOSIUS OF CHERNIGOV, MOSCOW, CIRCA 1896. Here is depicted a finely rendered half-length image of Saint Theodosius, Archbishop of Chernigov (Святитель Феодосий, архиепископ Черниговский). He is depicted in the ornate attire of an Archbishop wearing an embellished mitre, omophorion, palitza, holding an altar (or blessing) cross and crosier. His painted image is entirely overlaid with an extremely ornate engraved gilded silver riza with intricate silver wire filigree (скань) overlaying the vestments and further decorated with cloisonné enameled blessing cross, mitre, palitza, crosier, finial, halo, and corners. The lower margin with engraved cartouche identifying the subject as THE HOLY THEODOSIOUS OF CHIRNIGOV. Hallmarked Moscow, circa 1896, and with Cyrillic maker's mark С.Г.В. for Moscow silversmith Sylvester Gerasimovich Volkov and with 84 silver standard. The verso with original velvet covering. In an excellent state of original preservation. 10.5 inches x 8.75 inches (27 x 22 cm).
Estimate:
$7,500 - 10,000
€ 6,750 - 9,000
Born in Ukraine to a devout and noble family in 1630, from an early age Theodosius (his birth name is unknown) exhibited great piety and humility, both for which he would later become well known. He served in a variety of capacities, mostly in monastic settings until such time he was elevated to Archbishop in the Assumption Cathedral in Moscow in the year 1692. Returning to Chernigov, he continued his works based on a true and unabiding charity to all people. He died in Chernigov in the year 1696 and is buried in the cathedral of Boris and Glyeb in Chernigov. He was glorified (canonized) on September 9, 1896, likely around the time the offered icon was produced.
