Lot 266A
Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. late 19th century CE. Beautifully painted in egg tempera and gesso on wood and fitted with a stunning oklad, this icon presents the Virgin Hodegetria ("She who shows the way"), the composition depicting the Mother of God holding the Christ child in one arm, as he makes a blessing gesture. Mary's veil is adorned with a star-shaped cross, which is an ancient Syrian symbol of her virginity - before, during, and following the birth. The oklad embellishes the Virgin and Child with elaborate halos presenting festoons of flowers in repousse followed by openwork woven border, billowing robes with delineated drapery folds as well as floral motifs on the Virgin's garment, and finally a lovely border with a floral motif. Size of icon: 8.25" W x 10" H (21 cm x 25.4 cm); size of frame: 3.15" L x 14.5" W x 16.7" H (8 cm x 36.8 cm x 42.4 cm)
The oklad (also spelled oclad) or riza, sometimes referred to as a revetment in English, is a metal cover 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 cut, engraved, and/or repousse work and pierced to reveal elements of the underlying painting.
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-Komer Gallery, New York, New York, USA, acquired ca. 1965
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#155455
- Condition: Minor repair to lower periphery of oklad. Slight bending to edges of oklad. Painted image has a small loss on the Virgin's nose and another on her forehead but is otherwise in fine condition. Rich patina on oklad. Icon has not been examined outside of frame. Frame is gilded wood and glass with some craquelure on the gilding.
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