Lot 0188
Russian Travel Icon in a Silver Riza with Deesis and Saint Martyr John
Estimate: 500-600€
Travel Icon with Deesis and Saint Martyr John
Russia, Nizhniy Novgorod, 1872
Painting on zinc, silver riza (oklad).
Dimensions: 10 × 7.2 cm
Maker’s mark of I. Udalov.
This small double-sided travel icon is an exquisite example of provincial Russian metalwork from the late 19th century. The obverse depicts Saint Martyr John, framed by a finely chased silver riza that leaves the face and hands visible, their darkened tones showing the passage of time. The reverse presents the Deesis composition — Christ enthroned in the center, flanked by the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist in prayerful intercession.
The icon’s base is made of zinc — a practical, lightweight metal often used for travel icons. Its chased and engraved silver oklad demonstrates the restrained elegance typical of Nizhniy Novgorod silversmithing.
The maker’s mark belongs to Ivan Ivanovich Udalov (1859–1909), a master silversmith from Nizhniy Novgorod. His hallmark consisted of the initials “ИУ”. Udalov employed one master craftsman, five journeymen, and three apprentices. His workshop produced repoussé and engraved objects in silver and copper, often gilded or silvered. Known works include a reliquary (kovcheg) and an icon cover (oklad) now held in the State Historical Museum, Moscow.
Starting price: 400€
Estimate: 500-600€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€
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