Antique Russian Icon Birth of Mary 44x37 cm 19th Century

Antique Russian icon depicting the birth of the Virgin Mary in a 44x37 cm size from the 19th century. The upper part focuses on the traditional scene of the offering of gifts, which has long been the foundation for all depictions of this theme. Anna is depicted lying on the bed, towards which a group of maidens gently offer gifts (cups, chalices, and fans), giving the portrayed event a solemn ritualistic character. In a more intimate and lyrical setting, the newborn child is brought to the mother, while father Joachim celebrates at the set table. The lower part of the icon shows another episode from Mary's infancy: the handmaidens bathing the newborn, an essential scene in Orthodox depictions of the birth. The uniqueness of the icon lies in the artist's approach of not merging all episodes of the cycle but rather dividing the icon into multiple registers, allowing the main scene of the presentation of the newborn to dominate. Architectural backgrounds play a key role in the composition, resembling theatrical backdrops and recalling Western architectural motifs. On the right, the background unfolds, showing the scenes of the prayers of the two barren parents and the conception of the Mother of God, narrated in one of the best-known apocryphal texts: the Protoevangelium of James. The orthodox icon is delivered in an elegant blue box and accompanied by an expert appraisal. Origin: Moscow. Technique: Egg tempera. Materials: Wood, levkas. Actual measurements: 44.5x37 cm. Time period: mid-19th century.