the figure of Saint Paraskeva, venerated as the healer of the blind as well as the patron saint of trade and commerce, stands in a field of flowering plants, she holds her martyr`s cross in one hand and an open scroll in the other, a pair of angels places a crown upon her head, surrounding the central image are fourteen scenes from the saint`s life, including the many tortures she endured under Emperor Antoninus Pius and the Roman governor Tarasius. Egg tempera, gold leaf and gesso on wood panel with kovcheg. Two insert splints on the back, one missing, one-half of the other present. 103 x 80 cm (40 1/2 x 31 1/2 in.)

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.

PROVENANCE
Sotheby`s, New York, June 10-11, 1981, lot 541.
Collection of Bernard Winters, Armonk, New York (acquired at the above auction)