Ikone - A monumental 18th-century Russian Orthodox menological icon (Menaion) for the month of August - Holz

This monumental 17th/18th-century Russian Orthodox menological icon (Menaion) for the month of August is a rare, church-scale liturgical piece. While most calendar icons from this era were painted on smaller panels for private devotion, this grand-format panel (over 74 cm high) was designed for a prominent position in a church or monastery.

Instead of a standard, micro-written daily calendar containing hundreds of tiny saints, this panel features a structured Register Layout (Рядовая Минея). This arrangement prioritizes visual clarity:

- Central Field: The icon is anchored by a detailed central depiction of the Resurrection (featuring the Anastasis / Descent into Hades), surrounded by key biblical narratives.

- The Registers: Approximately 50 individual figures and several prominent narrative scenes are arranged in distinct horizontal rows. This layout reads chronologically from left to right, top to bottom, tracking the liturgical progression of the month.

- The August Feasts: Because the Orthodox calendar begins on September 1st, this August icon captures the finale of the church year. The registers emphasize major August milestones, giving separate, detailed registers to the Transfiguration of Christ (August 6th) and the Dormition of the Theotokos (August 15th).

The large format gives the composition significant breathing room. The 50 figures are rendered with individual detail, visible facial expressions, and traditional vestments. The execution reflects a high level of traditional Russian khitrost' (ingenuity), balancing monumental presence with precise, legible narrative painting.

Due to its church-scale dimensions, sought-after register composition, and exceptional level of detail, this icon sits firmly in the premium segment for antique Russian religious art.

Estimated Market Value: $7,000 – $11,500 USD (approx. €6,500 – €10,500).

Valuation Context: This estimation directly reflects the piece's rare, large-format scale and the clean, uncrowded horizontal rows. This specific combination is highly favored by modern collectors and institutions for its superior display quality and visual clarity.

Authentic 17th- to 18th-century Menaion icons of this physical scale are rarely available on the open market, as many reside in permanent museum collections or church treasuries. By combining theological depth with an elegant, legible register layout, this panel represents an excellent opportunity for the serious collector of sacred art. It stands as a historically significant, well-preserved piece of traditional Russian iconography. Bidders can participate with full confidence in its authenticity and regional craftsmanship.