RASPUTIN, GRIGORY (1869-1916), AUTOGRAPH ICON OF SAINT PIMEN THE GREAT WITH AN AUTOGRAPH INSCRIPTION BY G. RASPUTIN ON THE REVERSE SIDE Central Russia, early 20th century.

Lot 680

25 00030 000

wood, gold leaf, oil. 8.9 x 6.6 cm In good condition, with a chip on the upper edge of the icon. On the back of the icon is an inscription in ink: ‘He loved sickness and rejoices and cheers his own and blesses them with a beneficial life, Gregory.’ Provenance: Anna Vyrubova Archive. Saint Pimen (c. 340-450), an Egyptian ascetic, lived a life of strict fasting and prayer and attained spiritual perfection. He became famous as a wise mentor to monks. Anna Alexandrovna Vyrubova (Taneyeva – before 1907 and after 1920; 1884-1964), in monastic tonsure Maria (since 1923) – the closest friend of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, memoirist. There were many rumours about this woman's life. She was well acquainted with Grigory Rasputin, and according to her memoirs, they met several times at her dacha in Tsarskoye Selo. Rasputin played a huge role in Vyrubova's life. It was he, she believed, who saved her after the railway disaster in 1915.

Upon the buyer’s request, we are pleased to provide a general condition report for the Lot described above. However, as we are not professional conservators or restorers, we strongly advise prospective buyers to conduct their own inspection or consult a specialist or restorer of their choice for a comprehensive professional assessment. Any condition descriptions provided in the catalogue or through any correspondence are for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for a firsthand evaluation.

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