AN ICON «THE VLADIMIRSKAYA MOTHER OF GOD» IN A SILVER-GILT OKLAD Moscow, end of 19th century

Lot 148
2 2002 400
Wood, gesso, tempera Oklad: silver, chased, engraved, gilding Maker’s mark “A. B.”; Assay master’s mark «A.S.» over the date 1869; coat of arms of the city of Moscow and silver mark “84” 31 x 27 cm Condition: overall in a good condition, minor deformations of the Oklad The presented icon is an early example of the Eleusa iconographic type of the Mother of God (in which the infant Jesus Christ is nestled against her cheek), known also as the Virgin of Tenderness. The icon Vladimirskaya Mother of God is the most celebrated in Russia and considered as the national palladium. Several miracles of historical importance such as deliverance from the invasions of enemies, are attributed to this icon. This icon appears in many legends and historical stories and it is the most copied icon among Russian icons of the Mother of God. The magnificent silver-guilt oklad, decorated with various ornamental motifs, gives particular value to the icon.