Rare icon of the Annunciation in a silver gilded frame by Ivan Semenovich Gubkin, Russia, 1840s.

The icon of the Annunciation is an outstanding work of the Russian icon-painting tradition of the first half of the 19th century. It is decorated with an exquisite silver gilded frame, created at the Ivan Semenovich Gubkin silverware factory in Moscow in the period 1841-1855 by order from the city of Riga (Latvia). The frame, made in the classical style with baroque elements, impresses with its highly artistic chased design, refined gilding and complex engraving, which testifies to the unrivaled skill of Russian jewelers of that time. The central composition of the icon depicts the scene of the Annunciation: Archangel Gabriel, holding a branch of paradise, symbolizing purity, conveys to the Virgin Mary the joyful news of the birth of the Savior. The Mother of God is depicted in gilded clothes with a shining crown decorated with a floral ornament. Its maphorion is decorated with three stars, symbols of eternal purity. Their mutual gestures emphasize Mary`s agreement to fulfill God`s will. In the background are the walls of the temple with majestic domes, directed toward the image of the God of Sabaoth, seated in the clouds. The silver mosaic floor gives the composition solemnity and depth. The fields of the icon depict the saints: on the left is Archangel Michael with an angelic staff and a mirror, symbolizing his divine revelation and role as a protector, on the right is the holy martyr Antipas of Pergamon, patron of the faith and healer, revered by the people as the patron of dentists. The fields of the frame are decorated with a high-relief floral ornament, which emphasizes the sacred significance and aesthetic completeness of the composition. Materials: Cypress wood, gesso, tempera, gilding, silver, chasing, engraving. Dimensions: 31.7 x 25.5 cm. Hallmarks: the hallmark of Ivan Semenovich Gubkin IG, corresponding to the period 1841-1855, the city hallmark of Riga, sample 84, hallmark with the Latin letter i assay master of the city of Riga Haufe Carl Gustav, active in the period 1825-1844.