hitherto barren Saint Anna and Saint Joachim; St. Anna is presented on a bed, contemplating the miraculous birth of the Holy Virgin, she is attended by three handmaidens who bring her the symbols of fertility and life  a fan, a cup, and some eggs, a midwife and a servant prepare the ritual bath for the infant Mary below, St. Joachim observes the scene from a window in the upper right corner. Egg tempera, gold leaf and gesso on wood panel with kovcheg. Two insert splints on the back. 69.2 x 51 cm (27 1/8 x 20 1/8 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
Christie`s, New York, October 20, 1981, lot 619
Collection of Bernard Winters, Armonk, New York (acquired at the above auction)