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 icon is covered with a 90.47% silver oklad with wonderful raised, cut halos as well as vestments in repousse, Mary's robe is also embellished with floral motifs and a repousse star above her forehead; the Christ Child's robes are delineated with marvelous drapery folds. The entire composition of the oklad is surrounded by a flowering vine with beautiful blossoms and leaves. Size: 7.125" L x 5.75" W (18.1 cm x 14.6 cm) - 90.47% silver
The oklad or riza, sometimes referred to as a revetment in English, is a metal cover - in this case silver - 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.
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) like this example. 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 Estate of Dr. W.M. Bogdanowicz, Naples, Florida, USA
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#160747
Condition
Replacement to one area on left side of oklad. Slight bending to peripheries and raised elements of oklad with small chips in some areas, with very small nicks to exposed faces, and light staining to floral elements on verso. Great patina to oklad and nice craquelure to painted faces. Oklad is not removable.