Collections : [Virginia Museum of Fine Arts]

Transcription: [double-headed eagle] The Schaffer Collection of Russian Imperial Art Treasures ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NEW YORK October 1, 1937 #1934 A large and most important Russian icon of gold gilt silver by KLEIBER, (By Appointment to the Russian Imperial family), presented to the Grand Duchess Tatiana Nicholaiovna, the second daughter of Nicholas II, the late Czar of Russia, on her birthday, May 29, 1897. In the long rectangular panel it depicts "St. Martyr Tatiana", the patron saint of the Grand Duchess. Against a background of chased geometrical motifs, she appears, clad in a long blue gown reaching to the floor, over which is a loose flowing mantle of rose red. In her left hand she raises the white sash of her garment and with the other is seen carrying a lampadka. Above her in the clouds, "The Holy Virgin" appears, Her arms upraised in benediction. The icon is bordered with elaborate frame, entirely of hand-carved and chased work, showing a profusion of acanthus scrolls, rosettes and anthemions. At the corners, eight-winged cherubims are placed. The presentation inscription at the bottom of the icon reads: "May 29, 1897. The City of Peterhof". From the Alexander Palace at Tsarskoye Selo.