1884 Orthodox Three Holy Hierarchs Icon in Silver Riza by Heinrich Grünbaum

An exceptional Orthodox icon of the Synaxis of the Three Holy Hierarchs — Saint Basil the Great, Saint Gregory the Theologian and Saint John Chrysostom — enclosed within an extraordinarily elaborate silver riza made in Reval, present-day Tallinn, in 1884.

The large silver covering bears the maker’s mark HG, attributed to Heinrich Gottfried Ferdinand Grünbaum, together with the date 1884 and the 84 zolotnik silver standard, equivalent to 875 fineness. Repeated hallmarks on the folded edges confirm the riza as a coherent original work.

The three Fathers of the Church are depicted standing frontally in episcopal vestments, each holding a Gospel, with their names engraved beneath in Church Slavonic. Above the central figure is Christ Pantocrator with cross halo, Gospel and raised hand of blessing.

The silverwork is of outstanding quality. Almost the entire surface is enriched with hand engraving, chasing and punched decoration, incorporating lozenges, crosses, meanders, braided motifs, rosettes and elaborate borders. Particularly impressive are the large radiating haloes, divided into petal-shaped sections containing individual engraved designs. The vestments are similarly enriched with crosses, ornamental borders and miniature sacred medallions, while even the Gospels bear detailed devotional decoration.

The exceptional density and quality of the workmanship suggest an individual commission for a particularly important or venerated icon rather than ordinary late nineteenth-century commercial production.

Of particular interest is the painting concealed beneath the silver. Only the faces, hands, parts of the beards and the small image of Christ remain visible. These areas show traditional tempera painting over gesso, a dark preparatory sankir layer, carefully built highlights and natural age-related craquelure.

While the riza is securely dated to 1884, in our considered opinion the icon itself may be considerably earlier. The visible technical and stylistic characteristics suggest that the silver could conceal an earlier painting of independent historical and artistic significance.

The riza has not been removed during our ownership and the icon remains undisturbed. Consequently, the precise date, school, extent and condition of the concealed painting can only be established through professional examination and removal of the silver by a qualified icon conservator.

The future owner therefore acquires both a rare, fully hallmarked work by a named Reval silversmith and an intriguing icon whose complete attribution remains to be discovered. Confirmation of an earlier date and good preservation beneath the riza could significantly enhance the importance of the complete object.

Condition:

The silver displays natural tarnishing, oxidation, surface wear, scratches and local edge deformation. The upper left corner is bent, with several small punctures, tears and local losses to the thin silver sheet, principally around the exposed hands and vestments. Traces of gilding remain on the folded edges. The visible painting has age-related craquelure, wear and local paint losses, including a noticeable loss to the face of Saint Basil the Great. The dark textile backing is heavily worn. As the riza has not been removed, the condition of the concealed painting, gesso and wooden panel remains unknown.

Dimensions:

Overall: 27 × 31 cm

Silver sheet including folded edges: approximately 30 × 34 cm

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.