Our Lady of Smolensk icon Russia painted 18th century 30x25 cm

Religious icon Our Lady of Smolensk Russia from the 18th century. 30x25 cm.This icon of the Mother of God of Smolensk is an ancient icon that dates back to central Russia of the 18th century and corresponds to the iconographic type "Odighitria''.The Virgin is represented frontally with her head slightly bent towards the child, who is supported with the left hand, while with the right hand the Virgin indicates him inviting him to venerate him. The flaps of the robe open in two on the chest showing the tunic.The original icon was brought to Constantinople from Jerusalem in 1046 and was used to bless the daughter of Emperor Constantine Monomachus during her marriage. In the 12th century, the icon was brought to Smolensk and the first miracle attributed to it dates back to 1237 for the defeat of Batyi. In 1812 during Napoleon's invasion, the Russian army took the miraculous icon with it and, before the battle of Borodino, it was carried through the whole army to protect Russia from the enemy and help win the battle.The technique used to make it on wood is egg tempera and the real dimensions are 29.5x25 cm.This Smolensk icon is delivered in an elegant blue velvet case, accompanied with an expert certificate. Made in Russia.