18th C. Russian Icon - Mother of God / Theotokos

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Clearance Sale - Ancient / Ethnographic Art

By Artemis Gallery

Jun 7, 2018

Set Reminder 2018-06-07 09:00:00 2018-06-07 09:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Clearance Sale - Ancient / Ethnographic Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/clearance-sale---ancient-ethnographic-art-3264
Looking for a bargain on authentic ancient and ethnographic art? These lots are going, going, gone! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

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• Lot Description
  Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. late 18th to early 19th century CE. Painted in egg tempera and gold leaf on linen on wood, a striking icon depicting the Mother of God (Theotokos) as the Virgin Hodegetria. According to legend, this icon restored the eyesight of two blind men – hence, the name Hodegetria meaning, “She who gives sight” or “shows the way”. The Virgin holds the Child in her left hand and points toward him with her right, directing the attention of worshippers. The baby Jesus, dressed in a regal himation, gives the benediction while facing his mother (a gesture of honor) and holds the scroll of the Law in the other. The icon is set in a decorative glass fronted wood kiot of a fanciful shape with a gilded liner adorned with a radiant star above the Mother and Child. Size: 11.5" W x 17" H (29.2 cm x 43.2 cm)
  
  In addition to its meaningful religious iconography, the artistry and technique displayed are quite impressive. Note the liberal use of gold leaf and the meticulous detailing of the Virgin and Child's vestments, replete with stunning delineation of textures and patterns, as well as the marvelous gold leaf strapwork border.
  
  The Hodegetria is an icon that arrived in Constantinople from Jerusalem where the sister-in-law of Emperor Theodosius II found it in the 5th century CE. Hidden from the iconoclasts in a wall at the Hodegon Monastery, it was later carried to the city walls when Constantinople was under siege and became a palladium protecting the capital.
  
  The wood kiot is a case that protects the icon from smoke and dust as well as temperature and humidity variations to some extent; however, it also serves to enhance and add ornament to the icon. Its decorative shape and gilded liner bestow the icon with glorious splendor.
  
  Icons (icon means "image" in Greek) are sacred objects within the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition. Found in homes as well as churches, 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: ex-Francis & Lilly Robicsek collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
  
  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.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  #119481

  Condition

  Image is in very good condition save some darkening to the painted areas and wear to the inscription below the Mother of God. The gilded liner shows some fissures and losses. The glass front is in excellent condition. Minor losses and possible repainting to the wooden kiot - separation between the two back panels; however, it still serves the icon quite well and its fasteners are present. Wired for suspension on the verso, this piece would make a wonderful addition to any collection.
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