wooden gilded sanctuary doors with two metal latches, decorated with intricately carved braids and divided into six sections framed by carved petals; the top register of each door features a medallion from the Annunciation, including Archangel Gabriel announcing to the Holy Virgin Mary that she would soon give birth to the Savior of the World, the bottom registers with Saints Athanasios of Alexandria and Cyril of Alexandria. Egg tempera, gold leaf and gesso on wood panels. 119.8 x 33 cm (47 1/8 x 13 in.) each.

Bernard J. Winters was a philanthropist and art collector who was captivated by Russian icons. Over a fifty-year period, he worked closely with Sotheby`s, Christie`s, and private collectors to cultivate his collection. His monumental icons, as well as those purchased from Natalie Hays Hammond, daughter of John Hays Hammond, diplomat, were some of his favored items.


PROVENANCE
Collection of Bernard Winters, Armonk, New York