Discover how the value of similar works has evolved over the past 10 years. Art is not only beauty — it's an investment.
Discover how the value of similar works has evolved over the past 10 years. Art is not only beauty — it's an investment.
The entire composition forms an architectural miniature, harmoniously combining Orthodox symbolism with the swirling organic motifs of Art Nouveau: vegetal curves, starbursts, and rosettes executed in cloisonné enamel. The lower section is complemented by movable pendants and a central cross, forming a complete decorative garland.
Dimensions:Overall dimensions with pendant 23 × 13 cm, Oklad dimensions 23 × 13 cm, Icon panel 5.5 × 6.5 cm.
Condition:Good condition, consistent with age.
Provenance:Imperial Stroganov School of Industrial Art, Moscow, Russia. Early 20th century.Literature: related compositions are published in Collection of Compositions by Students of the Stroganov School (Moscow, Levenson Printing House, 1900).
Ivan Silych Nivinsky (1878–1959), a leading figure of the Moscow Art Nouveau movement, played a key role in reviving the decorative potential of Orthodox icons. As a designer and educator at Stroganov, he employed vibrant enamels and rhythmic ornamentation in church furnishings and liturgical objects. Early 20th-century publications document similar projects — icon stands, frames, and oklads — characterised by simplified forms, vivid colour palettes, and dense ornamentation.
The oklad in this icon is not merely decorative but a full architectural structure, reproducing the silhouette of a five-domed church in miniature. The use of enamel lends a stained-glass effect, enhancing the sanctity of the image. The floral motifs and graphical stylisation reflect the influence of Russian national romanticism, widely promoted in academic institutions as part of a broader cultural identity.
This object stands out as a rare attempt to reinterpret the traditional Orthodox icon through the lens of Art Nouveau aesthetics — expressive, decorative, yet spiritually resonant. Due to its artistic sophistication and iconographic relevance, it is significant not only as an object of devotion but also as a historical artefact from the Silver Age of Russian art and design education.
Good condition, consistent with age. The enamel shows minor cracks and losses; slight deformation of the small crosses is noted, along with characteristic production air bubbles in the enamel. The painting is preserved beneath protective mica, and the oklad has developed an even patina appropriate to its period.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
