An oval bishop’s panagia, executed in silver with gilt, representing an outstanding example of Russian ecclesiastical jewellery of the Late Historicism period. At the centre of the obverse is a medallion in polychrome enamel depicting the Virgin and Child, rendered in the iconographic tradition of Orthodox miniature painting. The medallion is encircled by a border of river pearls, emphasising the sacred character of the object. Running around the perimeter of the obverse is an engraved inscription in Church Slavonic with an apostolic moral exhortation: “BE AN EXAMPLE TO THE FAITHFUL IN WORD, IN CONDUCT, IN LOVE, IN SPIRIT, IN FAITH, IN PURITY”. The body of the panagia is richly decorated with a complex relief ornament of ribbons and vegetal motifs forming a balanced four-part composition, characteristic of ceremonial episcopal regalia of the late 19th century.
The reverse is adorned with a relief double-headed eagle of the House of Romanov, set within a laurel wreath symbolising military glory and state authority. At the top of the composition, on an unfurled ribbon, is the inscription: “GOD IS WITH US”. Around the perimeter runs a prayer inscription: “SAVE US, PROTECT US, O LORD, FOR THE LIGHT OF CHRIST ENLIGHTENS ALL”, accompanied by the date “1877–1878”, indicating the commemorative connection with the events of the Russo-Turkish War. The panagia is surmounted by a crown with a cross, attached by a movable hinged fitting. A silver chain composed of pierced links in the form of Orthodox crosses is suspended from the crown. At the lower part of the composition hangs an additional circular medallion decorated with an enamelled cross.
Marks: Maker’s mark “AS” in Cyrillic letters within a rectangular cartouche, attributed to Alexei Stepanov; assay mark of the Saint Petersburg Assay Office with the silver standard “84” and city emblem; assay master’s mark “O.S.” above a line and the date “1888”, corresponding to Oskar Strömer, Saint Petersburg, active in the second half of the 1880s.
Dimensions: Panagia: height 19 cm, width 10 cm. Chain: length 43 cm.
Weight: 255 g.
Condition: Good. Minor signs of age and use. Localised losses of certain decorative elements and small enamel damages are present, not affecting the overall perception or structural integrity of the piece.
Provenance: Presentation bishop’s panagia made in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878.
Overall good condition, with natural signs of age and ceremonial use. There are localised losses and minor enamel defects consistent with age. The gilding shows a pleasing patina; the construction remains stable and the marks are clear and legible.
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.
