Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. 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 while the baby Jesus, dressed in a regal himation gives benediction. The wooden icon is fit with a coppered silver oklad as raised, gilt silver halos surround the heads of both the Virgin and Child. Velvet covers the sides and verso of the wood. Size: 5.5" W x 7" H (14 cm x 17.8 cm); metal quality: 89% silver, 7% copper, 3% gold
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. Some icons are encased in precious metal covers (oklads) adorned with pearls and semi-precious stones or glass-fronted wooden cases (kiots) or as we see in this example, decorated with liberal gold leaf strapwork and faux enamelwork. 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 Thornton, Colorado, USA collection
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#181724
Condition
Some bending to oklad and small tears at peripheries. Surface wear as shown, but otherwise intact and excellent with good remaining detail and pigments. Suspension hook on verso for display.