Painted Wooden Icon of Virgin and Child

19TH-20TH CENTURY A.D.

11 3/8 in. (614 grams, 29 cm).

Mary cradling the infant Christ, Greek text in the field with inscription 'ΜΡ ΘΥ' for 'Mother of God' flanking the Virgin's halo, 'IC XC' for 'Jesus Christ' over the Child's head; to the right a Greek inscription 'ΟΔΙΓΗΤΡΙΑ' (Odighitria); some restoration; a handwritten inscription and a cross to the reverse in Greek, reading 'Eufemia Papadimitriou - born on March, 30, 1932, on Thursday, at the 5.00 p.m.; Vasilios Papadimitriou - born on March, 15, 1934, on Thursday, at the 3.00 p.m.'

Provenance

Ex French gallery, Paris.

Literature

Cf. Łaptaś, M., Jakobielski, S., ‘I Gave Milk to Him While He Was Feeding All the World. Representations of the Galaktotrophousa in Faras Cathedral,’ in Stefan, M. (ed.), Nubia Christiana, II, Warszawa, 2020, pp.43-63, figs.2, 6, for ancient iconography of the subject.

Footnotes

The icon belongs to the category of Virgin 'Galaktotrophousa' (Γαλακτοτροφουσα, meaning “the Milk-Giver”) celebrated on third July, and showing Mary breast-feeding Jesus. The ancient typology dates from the 6th century A.D. and resided in St. Sabbas’ lavra (a type of monastic community).

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process

AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 2082