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Russia, ca. late 19th to mid-20th century CE. A beautiful wooden icon displaying the Mother of God, known as Theotokos, standing atop clouds and holding the Christ child in one arm, all skillfully painted in blue, violet, white, yellow, cream, gray, gold, and black egg tempera on gesso. Draped in a traditional blue robe over a purple dress, the Madonna gazes outward, presenting porcelain skin, almond-shaped eyes, a naturalistic nose, and bowed lips, all capped by a white veil and golden diadem. She holds a scepter in her right hand as the Christ child bows his head and raises his arms in a gesture of blessing. Holy light beams behind her as several lines of Cyrillic script surround the sacred pair. Size: 9.6" W x 11.8" H (24.4 cm x 30 cm)

Icons were some of the first religious artworks brought to Russia from Byzantium. These sacred pictures reached a high point in the Byzantine era, however, the Russians brought their own style to the art of the icon. Icons were initially created for use in churches and processions. In time they became smaller and were used increasingly within households. To this day, icons remain an important form of visual culture in Russia's orthodox religious community. Icons (icon means "image" in Greek) are sacred objects within the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition. These painted images depict holy persons and saints as well as illustrate scenes from the Scriptures. Icons are not worshiped but are instead venerated for their ability to focus the power of an individual's prayer to God. As such they are truly "windows into heaven."

Provenance: private Morrison, Colorado, USA collection; ex-North Carolina, USA auction house; ex-Southern USA estate

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#168561

Back slats on verso. Some minor chips to peripheries, as well as expected nicks and abrasions throughout. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice remaining pigments and lovely patina. Verso has piece of tape and 3 old collection labels.