Russian Silver Icon Of The Archangel Raphael, With Painted And Cloisonné Enamels. Late 19th Century.

A rare Russian silver icon depicting the Archangel Raphael, crafted using painted and cloisonné enamel techniques. Given the quality of its artistic execution, the finesse of its enameling techniques, and its stylistic character, the work belongs to the highest echelon of late 19th-century Moscow workshops. It was most likely a private commission, closely linked to the traditions of Pavel Ovchinnikov’s workshop and his artistic circle.

The obverse features a bust portrait of the Archangel Raphael holding the Holy Scriptures. The face is rendered with remarkable gentleness and profound spiritual depth, thanks to subtle modeling and a harmonious, restrained color palette. The folds of the garment are finely painted against a shimmering silver background, creating an effect of inner light and emphasizing the sacred purity of the image. The iconographic field is framed by an upper border in the kovcheg style, decorated with a geometric pattern of triangles in blue, turquoise, red, and white enamel.

The reverse side is adorned with an elaborate symmetrical composition, centered on a cross surrounded by stylized plant motifs and floral rosettes. The decoration reflects the Neo-Russian aesthetic of the second half of the 19th century, enriched with Gothic-inspired volutes. The hanging loop, mounted on a movable hinge, is richly decorated with bands of cloisonné enamel, emphasizing the precious and personal nature of this icon intended for devotional wear.

Dimensions: Height 6.2 cm; width 3.8 cm.
Weight: 54 g.
Condition: Good. The enamels are well preserved, with slight signs of wear consistent with the object’s age.
Provenance: Private collection.