A Greek double-diptych traveling icon

Orthodox Icons at Shapiro Fine & Decorative Art Auction: Results

On June 2, Shapiro Auctions held its famous Fine & Decorative Art Auction featuring an outstanding selection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, jewelry, books, memorabilia, and other collectibles. The top lot of the sale was an impressive painting by a renowned Russian artist Nikolai Roerich, entitled “Tulola, Sketch for Ladoga series.” It was sold for $225,000, exceeding its low estimate by $45,000. It is needless to say that Shapiro Fine & Decorative Art Auction also featured a beautiful selection of Orthodox icons and religious artifacts. We wrote about some of them in one of our previous blog posts, so now it’s time to look at the results!

Orthodox icons at Shapiro Auction

As for antique Russian icons we already told you about, only two of them brought really good results. These include:

  • A Faberge gold icon pendant of a guardian angel – sold for $15,000, reaching its high estimate.
  • A Faberge silver icon pendant of a guardian angel – sold for $10,000, also reaching its high estimate.

Other Russian icons from our list remained unsold. However, the good news is that they are now available for bidding online, so you have an excellent opportunity to buy an icon you like while it is still available for sale.

In addition to the previously mentioned Russian icons, there were several other interesting Orthodox Christian icons and religious artifacts offered at Shapiro Fine & Decorative Art Auction on June 2. In particular, this applies to the following two lots:

  • A Greek double-diptych traveling icon

This rare double-diptych traveling icon hand-painted on four sides (see photo above) represents a very beautiful example of Greek Orthodox icons from the early 19th century. Moreover, it is enclosed in a finely repoussed silver case decorated with the images of the Crucifixion and St. George. Estimated at $1,000 – 2,000, this small religious icon was sold for $1,500.

  • A Russian gold pectoral cross

Created in 1868-1870 in St. Petersburg, this amazing gold pectoral cross decorated with champlevé enamel features five medallions with the bust-length images of Jesus Christ, the Mother of God, St. John Chrysostom, St. Basil the Great, and John the Forerunner. The other side of the cross displays a crucified Christ. Estimated at $1,200 – 1,600, this religious artifact was sold for $1,500.

A Russian gold champlevé enameled pectoral cross

Shapiro auctions always offer very interesting and rare Orthodox icons and religious artifacts for the delight of both collectors and Christian believers. As you can see, the latest Fine & Decorative Art Auction held in New York on June 2 was not an exception.

Photo credit: Shapiro Auctions/shapiroauctions.com