A rare Russian silver icon depicting Archangel Raphael, executed in painted and cloisonné enamels. By the quality of artistic execution, refinement of enamelling techniques and overall stylistic character, the icon belongs to the high circle of Moscow silversmith workshops of the late 19th century. It was most likely produced as a private commission, closely associated with the traditions of the workshop of Pavel Ovchinnikov and its artistic milieu.
The obverse features a half-length representation of Archangel Raphael holding the Holy Scriptures. The Archangel’s face is rendered with remarkable softness and spiritual depth, with finely modelled features and a restrained, harmonious colour palette. The folds of the garments are delicately painted against a shimmering silver ground, creating an effect of inner radiance and emphasising the sacred purity of the image. The iconographic field is framed by a high kovcheg border, decorated with a geometric triangular ornament executed in rich blue, turquoise, red and white enamels.
The reverse is designed as a complex symmetrical composition centred on a cross, surrounded by stylised vegetal motifs and floral rosettes. The decoration reflects the Neo-Russian style of the second half of the 19th century, incorporating Gothic-inspired scrollwork. The suspension loop for a cord or chain is mounted on a hinged bail and richly adorned with bands of cloisonné enamel, underlining the bespoke nature of the object and its intended use for personal devotional wear.
Dimensions: Height 6.2 cm; width 3.8 cm.
Weight: 54 g.
Condition: Good. The enamels are vivid and largely intact, with minor signs of age consistent with the period.
Provenance: Private collection.
Silver icons with enamelled images of saints and archangels held a special place in the spiritual culture of the Russian Empire during the 19th century. They functioned not only as objects of personal devotion but also as reflections of social status, aesthetic taste and adherence to Orthodox tradition. Archangel Raphael, venerated as a heavenly healer and protector of travellers, was a particularly meaningful subject for private commissions intended for daily wear.
In the second half of the 19th century, amid a revival of interest in national artistic heritage and the emergence of the Neo-Russian style, Russian jewellery art experienced a renewed flourishing. Moscow workshops increasingly turned to Old Russian and Byzantine models while integrating contemporary technical achievements. Cloisonné enamel became one of the principal expressive means, allowing for richly decorative surfaces and complex ornamental compositions. The workshop of Pavel Ovchinnikov and the circle of masters associated with it played a decisive role in shaping this aesthetic, establishing exceptionally high standards of craftsmanship.
Icons of this calibre were typically created as individual commissions and intended for long-term devotional use. Their intimate scale was combined with remarkable decorative richness, and the reverse was often treated with the same care as the obverse, underscoring the sacred significance of the object. The use of multicoloured enamels, elaborate cross and vegetal motifs, and finely articulated hinged suspension elements reflects the ambition to transform a devotional image into a complete and harmonious work of art.
This icon represents a refined example of the spiritual and artistic culture of late 19th-century pre-revolutionary Russia. It embodies a synthesis of Orthodox iconography, national romanticism and high-level silversmith craftsmanship, preserving an atmosphere of personal prayer and ceremonial solemnity characteristic of private religious life of the period.
Overall condition is good. The enamel surfaces are largely intact, with no losses or signs of restoration. Minor traces of wear and natural ageing are present, consistent with the age of the icon, and do not affect its artistic or collectible value.
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.
