Icon of Saint Alexander Nevsky
Religious Icon, Egg Tempera on Wood Panel • Russian School, likely a workshop in Moscow or St. Petersburg specializing in the Neo-Russian revival style.
Style & Movement
Neo-Russian (Russian Revival) / Academic Realism within traditional Iconography.
Medium & Technique
Egg tempera on gessoed wood panel with gold leaf, featuring ciselure (tooling) and polychrome enamel-like decoration on the borders and background.
Creation Period
Late 19th Century (circa 1880–1900)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 31 x 26 cm (panel only), vertical portrait format; mounted in a contemporary gold-leaf frame.
Subject Description
Saint Alexander Nevsky depicted as a warrior-prince in noble attire and ermine-lined cloak. He holds a banner featuring the 'Mandylion' (Image Not Made by Hands) and stands near a table holding his princely crown. The composition is set within an arched decorative frame of intricate geometric and floral patterns reminiscent of ancient Russian metalwork.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Fair. The central figure remains legible and well-preserved, but there is significant loss of gesso and pigment along the edges and corners (chipping) and some surface grime.
Estimated Market Value
$2,500 – $4,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,500 – $3,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely a private devotional object from a Russian household or a gift icon. No specific labels visible in image, but the style suggests a high-quality workshop production for the middle or upper classes.
Art Historical Significance
Alexander Nevsky is a patron saint of Russian soldiers and several Tsars. This icon reflects the 19th-century 'National Style' which blended Western academic painting techniques (seen in the facial modeling) with traditional Orthodox motifs and highly decorative gold work.
Notable Features
Exquisite 'tsislerovka' (chasing) on the gold background creating a textile-like texture. The use of faux-enamel painting techniques in the border mirrors the more expensive cloisonné enamel silver oklads of the period.
Condition Issues
Visible losses to the gesso and paint layer primarily at the bottom and left edges. Cracking consistent with wood expansion. Minor surface abrasions on the gold leaf background.
Conservation Recommendations
Consolidation of the flaking gesso around the perimeter to prevent further loss. Professional cleaning of surface deposits. Maintain in a stable humidity environment (45-55% RH) to avoid further panel movement.