Lot 118A
Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. A wonderful icon depicting the Virgin Orans or Orant (from orare meaning to pray) in egg tempera, golf leaf, gesso, and varnish on linen and wood, the Virgin with arms raised and the palms of her hands turned upward toward the heavenly realm. This pose was, according to scholar Alfredo Tradigo, "the simplest means by which early Christian art represented the soul of the deceased (often a martyr) awaiting eternal life in Christ." Her pose recalls that of Christ on the Cross and shows her sending prayers outward. An image of Christ Emmanuel is over her heart in a manner similar to that of Byzantine court members who wore medallions depicting their emperor. From this idea came the iconography of the Virgin of the Sign as derived from the prophesy of Isaiah (7:14). Size: 15.625" L x 13.625" W (39.7 cm x 34.6 cm), custom stand not included.
Flanking the Virgin's visage are the two archangels wearing priestly stoles which alludes to the Divine Liturgy. The image of Emmanuel represents the image of the Eucharist - he who sacrifices and is being sacrificed. The statuesque figure of the Virgin Mary arises from a red and gold royal cushion as "from a fiery cloud, the Virgin, queen of the heavens and 'All Holy,' towers like a beacon of salvation." The gold leaf highlights adorning her robe and mantle and the golden background remind us of the splendor of Byzantine mosaics.
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 Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection
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#124582
- Condition: Small old nick to lower edge. Slight darkening and areas of craquelure commensurate with age.
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