Antique Russian icon Theotokos of Tikhvin XIX century 30x26 cm
Antique Russian icon depicting the Theotokos of Tikhvin, originating from Moscow, Russia, datable to the early 19th century. The Orthodox icon measures 30.8 x 26 cm and is executed in egg tempera on wood with levkas. The Theotokos of Tikhvin is one of the most venerated Marian images in the Russian Orthodox tradition. According to chronicles, the religious icon appeared in 1383 near Novgorod and, after a series of apparitions, became associated with Tikhvin, where the Church of the Dormition and...
Info and features
Antique Russian icon depicting the Theotokos of Tikhvin, originating from Moscow, Russia, datable to the early 19th century. The Orthodox icon measures 30.8 x 26 cm and is executed in egg tempera on wood with levkas. The Theotokos of Tikhvin is one of the most venerated Marian images in the Russian Orthodox tradition. According to chronicles, the religious icon appeared in 1383 near Novgorod and, after a series of apparitions, became associated with Tikhvin, where the Church of the Dormition and later the monastery dedicated to the Virgin were founded. Over the centuries the Theotokos of Tikhvin has been regarded as a special protector; tradition attributes to her intercession the preservation of the Tikhvin monastery during the Swedish siege of the 17th century, an episode that further promoted her cult in Russia. Iconographically the composition is close to the Odigitria (Guide) type: the Virgin supports the Christ Child and, with her hand, points to him as the way to salvation. A distinctive feature of the Tikhvin image is the blessing gesture of Christ directed toward his Mother. The subject therefore combines the theme of divine maternity with that of spiritual guidance, making the Theotokos of Tikhvin one of the most recognizable images of Russian iconography. The religious icon is delivered with an expert appraisal and a velvet presentation box, which complete its documentation and presentation.
Provenance: Moscow, Russia
Period: early 19th century
Technique: egg tempera
Materials: wood and levkas
Dimensions: 30.8 x 26 cm
Subject: Theotokos of Tikhvin
Accompanying items: expert appraisal and velvet presentation box.