One of the proprietors of Loome Theological Booksellers in Stillwater sent me these photos of two icons they acquired in an estate/library sale. He hoped I could tell him something about them, thinking at first they could even be Latin American. Most people are familiar with Greek and Russian iconography, and therefore regional styles sometimes confuse even the experts. I recognized immediately these were Balkan in origin, at first believing they were Bulgarian. I've since determined they are Serbian and or possibly Wallachian. I believe they are 18th century, possibly early 19th century. The wood panels measure approximately 7" x 10". I would expect they are tempera and gold leaf. If you are interested in purchasing, contact Loome's for more information: http://www.loomebooks.com/ They also have a blog: Ex Libris Theologicis - You still have time to purchase your gifts for Epiphany/Twelfth Night! (The icon of Christ Enthroned is a gem BTW!)
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Merry Christmas!
Could be Bosnian.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.rastko.rs/rastko-bl/umetnost/likovne/srakic-ikone/srakic-ikone_bih_e.html
The deterioration on Christ Enthroned is similar to that on an old lithograph I have of St. Pantaleimon.
Correct Nan - the Balkans.
ReplyDeleteWhen you lump an area together like "the Balkans" it implies that they're the same thing; if they were the map of Europe wouldn't have changed so many times in the last century.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful icons!
ReplyDeleteWe were taught by an iconographer that teaches the 'Macedonian' technique...the faces are darker and the clothing is much more opaque than the Russian style; it's probably in the Serbian tradition.
Anyway, thanks for posting them.
Thanks Father.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nan.