Lot 758
Icon, with Portraits of Saints Cyril and Methodius. Russia, c. 1850-1880. The icon comprised of canvas laid down on a thick wood panel, with reinforcing bars set into the back. The painting quite elegant and skillful, in softly modulated colors and gilt, shows the two saints who brought an alphabet to Russian lands. St. Cyril stands on the left, holding a parchment with his invented alphabet. Methodius is on the right. Size: 15" x 12-1/4". Fine craqueleur throughout, with minor reparable losses. Most attractive 19th century work.
The Cyrillic alphabet was named for St. Cyril, a Greek monk who, with Methodius, brought written language to Christian converts in what is now Russia, around the mid 9th century. Although there is some dispute as to whether this is still the alphabet he invented or not, in any event, the alphabet is closely based on the Greek alphabet, with additional letters invented to represent Slavic sounds not found in the Greek language.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
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