Ancient Russian Crucifixion icon with scenes 19th century 45x40 cm

Ancient Russian Crucifixion icon with scenes 19th century 45x40 cm.The Russian orthodox icon, enriched with gold halos and borders, depicts five scenes: the Crucifixion in the center, top left to right: the Beheading of St. John and ''The Mother of God Joy of all who Suffer'', and below from left to right ''Unexpected Joy'' and ''The Feodor's Madonna''.
The icon ''Joy of all who Suffer'' was glorified in 1688 for the miraculous healing of the sister of the patriarch Ioachim. In the eighteenth century, this icon includes many variations, influenced by Catholic elements. In the center of the composition, there is always the Crowned Virgin, often placed on the Moon and holding the crowned Child in her hand.The ''Unexpected Joy'' icon was developed in the 18th century in Russia, inspired by a story by Dimitrij, the holy bishop of Rostov. In the story it is said that a sinner, despite his crimes, never failed to repeat several times the greeting of the angel Gabriel in front of the icon of the Mother of God. One day he was meditating on committing an evil sin but the man saw the image come to life: the wounds opened on the side of the Child. The man remained in prayer for a long time asking for Mary's intercession and after kissing the wounds he obtained forgiveness.In the last icon ''Mother of God of Feodorov'' the Child Jesus is depicted with the left cheek of the Madonna. The Virgin also symbolizes the Church of Christ, therefore the icon represents all the fullness of love between God and man. The Mother of God is thoughtful and holds her son tightly, knowing how much suffering awaits her.At the bottom right you can read '7392', a precious indication of the date of the painting according to the ancient Byzantine calendar, corresponding to 1883.This Crucifixion icon with scenes was hand painted in Moscow in the 1800s. It measures 44x39cm.It is shipped together with a box set and an expert report.