19th C. Russian Icon Gilt Brass Oklad, Unexpected Joy

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Exceptional Antiquities Ethnographica Fine Ar...

By Artemis Gallery

Jul 14, 2022

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• Lot Description
  Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. Finely painted in egg tempera and gold leaf on gesso atop linen and wood, a stunning depiction of a scene called "Our Lady of Unexpected Joy," in which a sinner kneels before an image of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Christ, set behind a gorgeous oklad comprised of brass with a gilt halo. While pondering a malevolent action, the image of the Mother of God was brought to life, and the hands of Jesus began to bleed. The sinner, upon inquiring about why the infant's hands bled, was given 2 explanations by the Virgin Mother: that sinners like himself acting upon their evil ways caused her son's repeated crucifixion; and that the joy of Heaven was far greater for one repentant sinner than for that of 99 virtuous individuals. Not only did these answers absolve him of his past misdeeds, but the sudden bliss overtook him with emotion and a personal vow of piety. Size: 14.5" W x 17.5" H (36.8 cm x 44.4 cm)
  
  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.
  
  This icon most likely was kept in someone's home. According to Jeanne Marie Warzeski, scholar and curator of the North Carolina Museum of History's "Windows into Heaven" exhibition, "In the early Byzantine Empire, the home became the primary base for the development of icon veneration. Throughout the ensuing centuries, icons continued to receive honor in homes and churches. To this day, many Orthodox Christians create for prayer and meditation in their home a krasny ugol, or "beautiful corner," where family icons are placed. Guests entering a house customarily honor the icons in the corner by crossing themselves before the objects. An oil lamp is set near the icons and is lit daily, according to Orthodox tradition."
  
  The oklad 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 repousse work and pierced to reveal elements of the underlying painting as we see in this example.
  
  Provenance: ex-private Bishop Family Trust collection, the Trust of the late Bill Bishop, a noted antiquarian with shops in Scottsdale, Arizona and Allenspark, Colorado, USA, acquired before 2010
  
  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.
  
  #173025

  Condition

  Some bending and wrinkling to brass, as well as cracking to tempera. Light softening of finer details and some areas of staining and fading. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice remains of gilding and pigments. Back slats intact. Verso has old collection labels, label from Lithuanian government's Control Department for Cultural Property Exportation, and modern suspension wire.
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