Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. A wonderful icon, finely delineated in egg tempera, gold leaf, and gesso on linen on wood - depicting four main scenes including two of my favorites: Christ as Blessed Silence based on Byzantine Angel of the Great Council in which Christ is portrayed as Christ Emmanuel at the upper left; and the Virgin of Unexpected Joy which tells a particularly dramatic story (see below) on the upper right. Below is the Joy of All Who Sorrow depicting the blessed Virgin Mary with suffering supplicants asking for her intercession as well as angels to either side and Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. Patron saints flank the central compositions. Size: 12.125" L x 10.25" W (30.8 cm x 26 cm)
The Virgin of Unexpected Joy tells a particularly dramatic story. According to the Orthodox Church of America website, "The sinful youth, who was nevertheless devoted to the Theotokos, was praying one day before the icon of the All-Pure Virgin before going out to commit a sin. Suddenly, he saw that wounds appeared on the Lord's hands, feet, and side, and blood flowed from them. In horror he exclaimed, 'O Lady, who has done this?' The Mother of God replied, 'You and other sinners, because of your sins, crucify My Son anew.' Only then did he realize how great was the depth of his sinfulness. For a long time he prayed with tears to the All-Pure Mother of God and the Savior for mercy. Finally, he received the unexpected joy of the forgiveness of his sins." The Unexpected Joy icon is commemorated on January 25 and May 1.
Nicholas, a Greek bishop of Myra, Anatolia in the 4th century and one of the most beloved saints of the church, who served as an intercessor, performing miracles of healing and rescue, has an interesting history. A strong opponent of the heretical bishop Arius at the Council of Nicaea, Nicholas, after slapping Arius in the face, was denied his holy insignia and tossed in jail. However, Christ and the Virgin appeared to him and gave him back his freedom and his episcopal office. Here shown with a serious countenance, a high furrowed forehead, concentrating eyes framed by arched brows, and a short, gray beard, Saint Nicholas is portrayed as a staunch champion of the Christian faith, a defender against heresy, and a healer.
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: private New Jersey, USA collection
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.
#153191
Condition
Expected surface wear commensurate with age with scuffs and losses, but the imagery is still strong.