Ancient Russian icon Mother of God Console My Pain honorary embroidered river pearls, early 19th century 31x26 cm
Ancient Russian icon depicting the Mother of God "Console my Pain", from Yaroslavl (Russia), datable to the early 19th century. The panel measures 31.5x26 cm and is executed in egg tempera on wood with levkas, enriched with an honorary embroidery of river pearls.
This religious icon belongs to a typically Russian iconographic tradition linked to the account that an image of this type was brought to Moscow by the Cossacks in 1640 during the reign of Tsar Aleksei Mikhailovich and placed in the Chur...
Info and features
Ancient Russian icon depicting the Mother of God "Console my Pain", from Yaroslavl (Russia), datable to the early 19th century. The panel measures 31.5x26 cm and is executed in egg tempera on wood with levkas, enriched with an honorary embroidery of river pearls.
This religious icon belongs to a typically Russian iconographic tradition linked to the account that an image of this type was brought to Moscow by the Cossacks in 1640 during the reign of Tsar Aleksei Mikhailovich and placed in the Church of St. Nicholas in the Pupys district. The cult of the image spread notably following the miracles attributed to it, especially during the plague of 1771. The scene expresses suffering and consolation: the Virgin is portrayed in a thoughtful attitude, with her right hand at her temple, a gesture evoking the sorrow before Christ’s Passion and death. The Child Jesus lies upon the Virgin’s mantle, while a scroll recalls the call to justice, mercy and magnanimity. The title "Console my Pain" derives from a line of the Akathistos hymn and emphasizes the Mother of God’s role as intercessor and comforter for those who endure suffering. The honorary embroidery of river pearls applied directly to the panel follows a devotional practice intended to honor and embellish the sacred image, adding material depth to the composition. The work is accompanied by an expert appraisal and a velvet presentation box.
Origin: Yaroslavl, Russia
Period: early 19th century
Technique: egg tempera
Materials: wood and levkas
Decoration: honorary embroidery with river pearls
Dimensions: 31.5x26 cm
Set: expert appraisal and velvet box.