Large icon of the Virgin and Child, Russia (Moscow), 18th century

Ancient icon depicting 'Mother of God who softens sick hearts'

Russia (Moscow City)
18th century era
Egg tempera on gold background
Dimensions: 54 x 42 cm.

From the point of view of iconography, this rare Marian typology called ''Mother of God who softens sick hearts'', carries the Holy Spirit on her breast, represented by a dove that emanates rays of light. It is, in particular, a variant of the Madonna Odighitria, in which Christ is depicted standing, in an upright position and supported by his mother, with his right hand blessing, both with their gaze directed at the observer.

The connecting model is certainly the Italian one from the 14th century, one cannot help but connect it to certain Madonnas from the Bolognese area (for example Giovanni da Bologna), in which the Virgin's mantle is often held at the breast by a round fibula with a small bird in the center.

Orthodox iconography naturally reads this detail in a theological sense, seeing in it the representation of the Holy Spirit. Both the Mother and the Child are depicted as Queen and King of the Universe: the Virgin wears a crown on her head and holds the Christ Child, who is also crowned while holding the gospel

The uniqueness of this icon therefore lies in the fact that both the mother and the son are depicted with a sumptuous crown.

The details and colors are splendid, further highlighted and embellished by the gold background.

The large icon in question, of the Moscow school, is in excellent condition, is evidently of a high level of execution and like all our objects, it is sold accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive sheet of the iconographic type in question.