Ancient Russian Icon: Theotokos of Kazan, early 19th century honorific embroidery with river and iris pearls, 22x19 cm
Ancient Russian icon depicting the Theotokos (Mother of God) of Kazan, originating from Central Russia and datable to the early 19th century. The religious icon measures 22.5 x 19.5 cm and is executed in egg tempera on wood with levkas, enriched by an honorific embroidery of river pearls and iris pearls. This devotion to the Mother of God of Kazan traces back to 1579 when, according to tradition, the image was found in Kazan after the Virgin appeared several times to a girl and indicated the pla...
Info and features
Ancient Russian icon depicting the Theotokos (Mother of God) of Kazan, originating from Central Russia and datable to the early 19th century. The religious icon measures 22.5 x 19.5 cm and is executed in egg tempera on wood with levkas, enriched by an honorific embroidery of river pearls and iris pearls. This devotion to the Mother of God of Kazan traces back to 1579 when, according to tradition, the image was found in Kazan after the Virgin appeared several times to a girl and indicated the place where the icon had been hidden. Since then this image has been among the most venerated in the Russian Orthodox tradition. Over the centuries the Theotokos of Kazan was associated with key moments in Russian history and was regarded as a protective presence for Moscow, for the Romanov dynasty and later for Saint Petersburg.
Iconographically, the image belongs to a variant of the Hodegetria type — the "Mother of God who shows the Way." The Virgin is shown down to the chest while the Christ Child stands beside her, a formula that became widely adopted from the 16th century onwards. Particularly noteworthy is the special embroidery applied to the panel, made with river and iris pearls. This decorative addition frames and enhances the sacred image, adding texture and luminosity to the icon's surface. The work shows minor chipping and signs of age consistent with its antiquity and the material history of the panel; these characteristics do not compromise the legibility of the subject and attest to the icon's historical journey. The Orthodox icon is delivered with an expert appraisal and a velvet presentation case.
Provenance: Central Russia
Date: early 19th century
Technique: egg tempera
Materials: wood and levkas
Decoration: honorific embroidery with river and iris pearls
Dimensions: 22.5 x 19.5 cm
Accompanying: expert appraisal and velvet case.