A VERY FINE RUSSIAN ICON OF THE ENTRANCE OF THE MOTHER OF GOD INTO THE TEMPLE, PALEKH, WORKSHOP OF MIKHAIL PARILOV, CIRCA 1915. Exceptionally painted on gilt ground and with extensive gilt shading, here the three year old Mary is presented to the temple priest Zakarius (Father of John the Forerunner), by her parents Joakim and Anna. Behind her are candle-bearing virgins. The upper margin emblazoned with the title, "THE ENTRANCE INTO THE TEMPLE OF THE MOST HOLY MOTHER OF GOD." The borders beautifully painted to simulate cloisonné enamel, the verso with backstamp of icon painting master Mikhail Ivanovich Parilov, village of Palekh, Provence of Vladimir. 12.2 inches x 10.3 inches (31 x 26.5 cm).

Mikhail Ivanovich Parilov was born in the village of Palekh in the year 1899 into a family dynasty of icon painters. After the Revolution, he worked in the Artel of ancient painting, and like many of his contemporaries, was relegated to painting secular subject matters, often in lacquer as the restrictions on religious expression, which included icons, were implemented. He died in 1968 and is buried in Palekh.