MARK OF ALEXANDER MUKHIN, MOSCOW, 1885-1886

Details

A PARCEL-GILT SILVER TRIPTYCH ICON
MARK OF ALEXANDER MUKHIN, MOSCOW, 1885-1886
Of ogee arch form, opening to reveal a central panel depicting Mother of God of Iver, flanked by St Alexander Nevskiy and St Mary Magdalene, all three decorated with finely chased parcel-gilt silver garments and halos, the front applied with a cross simulating wood, the front and reverse engraved with scrolling foliage, with suspension loop and clasp, marked throughout
9 5/8 in. (24.5 cm.) wide, extended
37.9 oz. (1,178.9 gr.) gross

Provenance

Anonymous sale; Sotheby's, New York, 10-11 December 1974, lot 596.

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Lot Essay

It appears that the present icon was a gift to Frederick VIII of Denmark (1843-1912), the brother of Empress Maria Feodorovna. When the icon was sold at Sotheby's in 1974, it was offered with the original fitted velvet case, applied with a plaque inscribed 'To the Royal Grand Duke of Denmark; may the Holy Virgin, the Guardian Angels of the late Emperor, our beloved benefactor, and of the Empress, your beloved sister, keep you alive for many long and happy years, Moscow, May 22nd, 1896, with respect and devotion from the faithful servant, A. Arapoff.' It appears that the marks were incorrectly identified when the icon was sold in 1974.

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