Catalogue

Ovchinnikov. A Russian Silver-Gilt and Cloisonné Enamel Travel Icon of St. Vladimir
Maker’s mark “PO”. Moscow, 1899–1908
Silver (84 zolotniks), gilt, cloisonné enamel, polychrome en-plein enamel
Dimensions (with hanger): 10 × 6.3 cm
Weight: 84 g

This finely crafted travel icon depicts St. Vladimir, the Baptizer of Rus’, rendered in enoplein polychrome enamels within an ornate silver-gilt frame. The saint is shown crowned, holding a red cross in his right hand and a sword in his left, symbolizing both his royal authority and his spiritual mission. Above, on the suspension loop, appears the Mandylion—the image of Christ.

The piece was made by the celebrated Moscow workshop of Pavel Akimovich Ovchinnikov, one of the leading jewelers of the Russian Empire. Founded in 1853, Ovchinnikov’s firm was the first in Russia to produce works in the Old Russian style, reviving medieval decorative traditions through cloisonné enamel and filigree.

Renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and artistry, the Ovchinnikov factory collaborated with prominent Russian artists and architects such as Ippolit Monighetti, Alexander Opekushin, Eugene Lanceray, and Viktor Vasnetsov. The firm supplied the Imperial Court and the Orthodox Church with liturgical items, including altar Gospels, processional crosses, icon covers, chalices, and censers, achieving the highest artistic standards of its time.

Comparable examples:

Sotheby’s, Russian Works of Art, Fabergé & Icons, London, June 2014, lot 507 https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2014/russian-works-art-faberge-icons-l14116/lot.507.html
Christie’s, Russian Works of Art, Fabergé and Icons, London, November 2014, lot 38 https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5896351

Starting price: 6000€
Estimate: 7000-9000€
Hammer Price: Not sold

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: Not sold

Sergey Nikolaevich Grachev (1922-1993), “Crimean Coast”. Painting on cardboard, 20th century. Sergey Nikolaevich Grachev, born in 1922 in a peasant family from the Ivanovo region, studied miniature painting on lacquer at the Palekh Art School in the 1930s. After World War II, he graduated in 1951 from the Vilnius State Art Institute. Grachev was active in the Lithuanian art scene starting in 1952, participating in exhibitions in Riga, Tallinn, Moscow, and other cities.His works, often inspired by sea voyages, are featured in collections worldwide, including the Lithuanian Art Museum.
Dimensions: 47 x 67 cm.

Starting price: 400€
Estimate: 600-800€