**Originally Listed At $1000**

Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. A large and very fine icon delineated in egg tempera and gold leaf on wood depicting the Mother of God holding a scroll which has an invocation addressed to Christ. This half-length composition presents Mary with an expressive gaze, gesturing toward the scroll; we sense the palpable emotion of her plea. All is rendered in brilliant jewel tone hues, surrounded by a hand-hammered brass frame embellished with a stamped floral motifs and a 'beaded' border. Size: 15" W x 17.75" H (38.1 cm x 45.1 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 truly "windows into heaven."

Provenance: ex-Francis & Lilly Robicsek collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

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#119597

Some fissures and bending to brass border as shown. Painted icon shows surface wear and losses commensurate with age. Nice areas of craquelure. Icon was created from two pieces of wood which are united via wooden joins (see verso), and the separation between these boards is somewhat evident on the image.