A RUSSIAN ICON OF THE VENERABLE SERGIUS OF RADONEZH, YAROSLAVL SCHOOL, CIRCA 1600, the saint depicted holding a scroll featuring an excerpt from his last words to his disciples, "Do not be sad Brothers, but rather preserve the purity of your bodies and souls, and love in a disinterested manner," above him is an image of the Holy Trinity - a reference to his Monastery of the Holy Trinity, as well as to the icon painted by Andrei Rublev under Sergius` successor, on a deep green background with a red border. Egg tempera, gold leaf and gesso on wood panel with kovcheg. Two insert splints on the back. 31 x 26.4 cm (12 ¼ x 10 1/2 in.)

PROVENANCE
Collection of Bernard Winters, Armonk, New York

Bernard J. Winters was a philanthropist and art collector who was captivated by Russian icons. Over a fifty-year period, he worked closely with Sotheby`s, Christie`s, and private collectors to cultivate his collection. His monumental icons, as well as those purchased from Natalie Hays Hammond, daughter of John Hays Hammond, diplomat, were some of his favored items.