Russian Gilt Painted Wooden Icon of Hodegetria

CIRCA 19TH CENTURY A.D.

12 1/4 in. (896 grams, 31.2 cm).

The Virgin holding the infant Christ, gesturing towards him with her right hand, wearing a carmine red maphorion embellished with golden pearled embroidery, elaborate cuffs and neckline to the himation; Christ making the blessing sign with his hand, the green chiton and orange himation embellished with red folds; both figures nimbate within a shallow recess and framed by a red border, inscription 'ΜΡ ΘΥ' for 'Mother of God' flanking the Virgin's halo, 'IC XC' for 'Jesus Christ' over the Child’s head; winged nimbate ‘Angel of God’ and nimbate Saint Matrona in rectangular panels on either side; split and repaired.

Provenance

Ex French gallery, Paris.

Literature

See Barakat, F., Russian Icons, London, 2021, pp.26-27, for similar.

Footnotes

For the Orthodox believers, the Mother of God (Theotokos) carries a special meaning. The believers relate to her as a mother who suffered and lived through the death of her son, a figure not only of love and compassion, but also of fortitude and sacrifice.

CONDITION

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LOT 1887