Antique Russian Icon Birth of Mary and Other Scenes 19th Century, 33x27 cm
Ancient Russian icon depicting the birth of Mary and other scenes. The upper part presents the traditional scene of gift offering, a long-standing element in all depictions of this event. Anna lies on the bed, maidens approach with cups, chalices, and fans, turning the scene into a solemn ritual. In a more intimate and lyrical tone, the mother is handed the newborn while father Joachim celebrates at a set table. The lower part features another episode of Mary's childhood: servant girls bathing t...
Info and features
Ancient Russian icon depicting the birth of Mary and other scenes. The upper part presents the traditional scene of gift offering, a long-standing element in all depictions of this event. Anna lies on the bed, maidens approach with cups, chalices, and fans, turning the scene into a solemn ritual. In a more intimate and lyrical tone, the mother is handed the newborn while father Joachim celebrates at a set table. The lower part features another episode of Mary's childhood: servant girls bathing the newborn, a traditional scene in all Orthodox birth depictions. A unique aspect of this icon is how the artist divides the episodes into separate registers, allowing the central scene of the newborn's presentation to dominate. Architectural backgrounds play a crucial role, resembling theatrical backdrops with Western architectural influences. On the right, scenes unfold of the prayers of the barren parents, Anna and Joachim, and the miraculous conception of the Mother of God from the well-known apocryphal work, the Protoevangelium of James. The religious icon is presented in an elegant blue velvet box with an appraisal by a specialized expert. Origin: Moscow. Technique: egg tempera. Materials: wood, levkas. Dimensions: 33.1x27.8 cm. Era: mid-19th century.
