Price Upon Request
This piece is offered privately. Contact us for pricing, provenance, and to arrange a viewing.
A beautiful antique Russian icon depicting the Mother of God of Vladimir, one of the most revered and historically significant representations of the Virgin and Christ Child in Russian religious art. The composition follows the traditional Eleusa, or Mother of God of Tenderness, iconography, portraying the Christ Child nestled closely against the Virgin’s cheek in an intimate expression of maternal affection and divine love. The Mother of God gently supports Christ with her hands, while her contemplative expression conveys tenderness, compassion, and quiet spiritual sorrow. The delicate interaction between their faces, combined with the serene expressions and graceful arrangement of their figures, creates a deeply moving devotional image reflecting the enduring significance of the Vladimir Mother of God in Russian religious tradition. Hand-painted on a traditional icon panel and adorned with an elaborate gilded metal oklad, the icon is distinguished by its beautifully executed repoussé decoration, finely engraved geometric borders, and magnificent radiant halo surrounding the sacred figures. The richly ornamented metal covering features delicate linear engravings, flowing drapery, subtle floral detailing, and an intricate openwork halo composed of repeating cross-shaped elements. The warm golden surface contrasts elegantly with the softly modelled faces and hands of the Mother of God and Christ Child, whose expressive features retain a distinctive traditional character. The carefully arranged folds of the metallic garments, finely worked decorative patterns, and harmonious proportions reflect the craftsmanship associated with historic Russian devotional icons. Condition: Overall good antique presentation, with visible age-related wear, minor surface scratches, localized tarnishing, and subtle discoloration across the gilded metal oklad. The decorative repoussé work, engraved geometric borders, and intricate openwork halo remain well defined, although minor irregularities and areas of wear are visible along portions of the metal covering. The painted faces and hands of the Mother of God and Christ Child retain their expressive character, showing slight surface marks, natural darkening, and possible historical retouching. Localized wear is visible around the openings of the metal covering and along the outer edges.
