A Russian Icon of the Miracle-Working Kasperovskaya Mother of God, the gilded silver and shaded enamel oklad (revetement) and halo by maker SG (Cyrillic), possibly Semyon Galkin, Moscow, 1908-1917. The gilded silver oklad applied with the robes of the Holy Figures, those of the Virgin gilded and stamped and chased as a rich textile woven with flowers, those of the Christ Child in silver, applied with champleve plaques at the upper corners reading MP OY (Greek: Mater Theos, or Mother of God) and with smaller plaques at mid-ground identifying the icon as the Kasperovskaya Mother of God. Dimensions: 10 1/2" x 8 3/4" (26.7 x 22.2 cm). The Kasperov Icon of the Mother of God is iconographically very close to the Korsun Mother of God; they are virtually indistinguishable today. By tradition, the original or prototype was brought to the city of Cherson (or Kherson) late in the 16th century. It passed down by inheritance in a single family, until it was owned by Mme. Yulianiya Ionovna Kasperova living on the family estate at Kasperovo (now Kuzomys in the Kherson oblast of Ukraine). One evening in 1840, Mme Kasperova, despairing at her many troubles, prayed before the icon. Looking up, she noticed that the icon, which was darkened with age, suddenly became bright. Many miracles were credited to the icon in the following years, including the miraculous healing of several people suffering from forms of paralysis. During the Crimean War (1853-1856), the icon was carried in procession through the nearby city of Odessa, which was besieged by enemy forces. On Great and Holy Friday before Easter, the city was spared the destruction of enemy. Since that time, an Akathist to the Kasperov Mother of God has been served before the icon in the Dormition Cathedral of Odessa every Friday. The icon is commemorated throughout Russia on 1 (14) October in honor of the end of the British blockade of the city, as well as on 12 July (29 June) and on Bright Wednesday of Easter Week.

Overall very good antique condition, some small wear consistent with age, use, and materials. The icon itself with some small areas of restoration (see photos).