Lot 139
Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. late 18th to early 19th century CE. An evocative, richly painted wooden icon of the Mother of God, "The Surety of Sinners," so known because of the inscription painted on the banners around her body, which read, "I am the Surety of sinners for My Son Who has entrusted Me to hear them, and those who bring Me the joy of hearing them will receive eternal joy through Me." In this icon, Mary embraces Her Child, while He holds Her right hand with both of His hands, in a gesture of surety. The word surety can also be translated as pledge or intercession. In this example, the colors are richly painted, with exceptionally fine details and sure lettering. The double halos behind the two figures create a central focus for the image, highlighting the faces. With wto present back slats. Size: 8.5" W x 10.75" H (21.6 cm x 27.3 cm)
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."
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 a focus for prayers and meditation for believers, icons serve as "windows into heaven."
Provenance: ex Francis & Lilly Robicsek collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
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#119427
- Condition: Surface wear commensurate with age. Some fine craquelure. Small losses to the pigment and slight darkening from age. Nicely preserved details. Both backslats are present, but have some losses to the wood as shown. The unpainted wood on the back and sides has a dark patina.
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