A RARE RUSSIAN ICON OF THE TRINITY WITH CHRIST CRUCIFIED, CENTRAL RUSSIA, 17TH CENTURY, the enthroned figure of God the Father holds up the winged, crucified Christ, while the Holy Spirit, in the form of a white dove hovers above him, the starry sky within a radiating mandorla references the Holy Trinity`s omnipotent power, behind the central grouping are four angels standing on rolling clouds. Egg tempera, gold leaf and gesso on wood panel with kovcheg. Two insert splints on the back, one missing, the central section of the other insert splint missing, as well. 120 x 98 cm (47 ¼ x 38 5/8 in.)

PROVENANCE
Christie`s, New York, October 17, 1979, lot 408
Collection of Bernard Winters, Armonk, New York (acquired at the above auction)

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.