Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. early 19th century CE. Finely painted in egg tempera on wood, a double-sided icon set in a glass-fronted case/kiot. One side depicts Christ as Salvator Mundi, Savior of the World - Jesus depicted with gentle facial features, cascading brown hair, and the fingers of his right hand giving benediction, arranged to form the initials of Christ's monogram, IC XC. On the other side is a painting of the Virgin and Child - with Mary holding the globus cruciger in her right hand and the Christ Child issuing gesture of benediction in her left. The two-sided icon is set within a blue velvet-covered mat and a glass fronted wooden case/kiot. Size: 5.375" W x 7.375" H (13.7 cm x 18.7 cm); 11.5" W x 14.375" H (29.2 cm x 36.5 cm) including frame
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 Ventura County, California, USA collection
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#140343
Condition
Normal surface wear with scuffs and nicks commensurate with age. Glass-fronted case/kiot dates later and is in good condition.