**First Time At Auction**
Europe, Romania, late 19th century CE. A stunning icon fitted with a beautiful gilded copper oklad that features 78% gold (equivalent to 18K+ gold) crowns adorning Mary and Jesus. The composition of this wonderworking Theotokos - Mother of God - icon also includes two angels crowning the Virgin, and both Mary and the Christ Child donning flowing robes and elaborate 18K+ gold crowns. The oklad is skillfully modeled in repousse to delineate not only the Mother and Child's billowing robes, but also their hands as well as the scroll in the Christ Child's hand, and Jesus' petite feet. The oklad presents impressive details that demonstrate the maker's immense skill: etched floral motifs on the Virgin's vestments, skillfully cut and incised crowns on the Virgin and Child, and fine modeling via repousse. In addition, it includes an inscription in Old Cyrillic below. Size: 19.125" W x 26.125" H (48.6 cm x 66.4 cm)
The oklad (also spelled oclad) or riza, sometimes referred to as a revetment in English, is a metal cover that not only protects the icon, but also serves to honor or venerate the figure(s) depicted on the icon. Oklads are usually adorned with cut, engraved, and/or repousse work and pierced to reveal elements of the underlying painting.
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 a focus for prayers and meditation for believers, icons serve as "windows into heaven."
Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in the early 2000s; ex-Arthur Erickson collection, Portland, Oregon, USA
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#154741
Condition
Repair to small area of larger crown with light adhesive residue along break lines. Two wood slats on verso adhered within mortises. Visible areas of icon surface are desiccated and yellowed commensurate with age. Oklad has indentations, abrasions, softening to finer details, and several stable fissures. Great remaining details and patina throughout.