Lot 138
Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th 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 looks forward, one hand reaching for his mother. Interestingly, the painted imagery is surrounded by a raised frame with decorative gilded grapes and vines that doubles the size of the icon. Mary's robes are of particular interest here, with the border of her embroidered mantle (maphorion) covered in writing, as is the border of the Child's himation. The posing of the icon mirrors that of the late 13th century Virgin Enthroned with Christ Child from Tolga Monastery, near Yaroslavl. In a 20th century dark wood frame. Size with frame: 30.75" W x 35" H (78.1 cm x 88.9 cm)
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: ex Lilly and Francis Robicsek collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
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#119616
- Condition: Surface wear with some pigment loss and areas of oxidation commensurate with age. Gilding is in good condition, with small areas of flaking.
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