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TRIPTYCH KIOT

Creator(s): Unknown

Currently in storage


About this object

Designed as a case to house a removable icon, the triptych now contains a roughly carved and painted wooden cross set in a gable-shaped panel whose original gilding has been almost effaced. A sliding lid on the back of the cross opens to reveal a space containing four little paper packets containing brown crumbs and powder. On one of the papers is written "The sacrament . . ." The central panel (the kiot proper) has a gently scalloped gable top in which the New Testament Trinity are depicted atop a radiant cloud bank amidst cherubim and seraphim. Four saints are depicted facing frontally on the steeply sloping carved sides: the Holy Martyr St. Georgii and St. Anofrii the Great on the PR, St. Jacob the Persian and St. Makarii the Great on the PL. Ranks of selected saints are painted on the side wings, all facing the central panel, while the half-length figures of Archangel Gabriel and the Mother of God represent the Annunciation in the top tiers of the gables. In the upper register of the PR. panel are (l. to r.) St. Aleksii Metropolitan of Moscow, St. Nikola, St. John the Forerunner, the Archangel Michael; in the lower register St. Laurus and St. Florus, and St. Antonii. In the upper register of the PR panel are Bishop Nikita, Archbishop Jonah?, Archdeacon Stefan, and St. Sergii; in the lower register St. Varlaam, St. Sabbas, and St. Anastasia. All of the saints stand on a dark brown ground (pozem) with a khaki green sky above. Gabriel and the Mother of God are painted on a chestnut brown ground. The icon is painted in a fine miniature style, with details and halos in chrysography and white highlights to the faces and hair. The inscriptions written above the heads of each figure have been written over the originals which are visible beneath. The triptych is protected by a thick leather case with spade-shaped brass hinges and a brass latch.

Object name:
TRIPTYCH KIOT
Made from:
Tempera on wood
Made in:
Russia
Date made:
Early 18th c.
Size:
24.8 × 33 cm (9 3/4 × 13 in.)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:
54.84.1
Class:
ICON
Signature marks:
INSCRIPTION; LABEL
Credit line:
Gift of Mrs. Ralph Burgess, 1974