**Originally Listed At $600**

Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. A beautiful icon delineated in egg tempera on gesso on wood. The Mother of God is presented in a relatively unusual pose, alone rather than holding the Christ Child, and pierced by seven arrow-like swords, three on the right hand side, three on the left hand side, and one from below. This subject originated at least 500 years ago; however, it first appeared in Russia in the 18th century and continued to be popular in the 19th century. This icon theme also has a second name - Simeon's Prophecy - and was believed to be a miracle-working icon. Examples were thought to bring about numerous cures, particularly during the cholera epidemic of 1830. The feast days associated with it are during the Week of All Saints, on February 2 through 15 and on August 13 through 26. Size: 12" W x 13.9" H (30.5 cm x 35.3 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. 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 regarded as "windows into heaven."

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection

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#161917

Great preservation to iconography. Repair and overpainting to section of top border above Virgin's head as shown, with resurfacing and overpainting along break lines. Minor abrasions and staining to pigment across exterior, with original back slats missing, and a few stable fissures.