Russian antique icon Don't Weep for Me, Mother, early 19th century, 31x26 cm
Antique Russian icon titled 'Don't Weep for Me, Mother, originating from Central Russia and datable to the early 19th century. Executed in egg tempera on a levkas-prepared wood panel, the piece exemplifies the traditional techniques of Russian icon painting. The iconography belongs to the Imago Pietatis theme, which arose in Constantinople in the 12th century and depicts the dead Christ standing as he emerges from the tomb. This image emphasizes the mystery of the Passion and Christ's sacrificia...
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Antique Russian icon titled 'Don't Weep for Me, Mother, originating from Central Russia and datable to the early 19th century. Executed in egg tempera on a levkas-prepared wood panel, the piece exemplifies the traditional techniques of Russian icon painting. The iconography belongs to the Imago Pietatis theme, which arose in Constantinople in the 12th century and depicts the dead Christ standing as he emerges from the tomb. This image emphasizes the mystery of the Passion and Christ's sacrificial role as the Bridegroom who, through the Cross, engenders a renewed humanity. The title 'Don't Weep for Me, Mother evokes the spiritual dialogue between Christ and the Virgin found in Eastern iconographic traditions. Mary is portrayed as a figure of the Church and of maternal compassion; in some variants Saint John, the pious women and other disciples appear gathered in lamentation. The origin of this iconographic type has often been associated with the exhibition of the Shroud in Constantinople, a circumstance that may have influenced the depiction of Christ's body and the inclination of his head. The subject thus unites devotional intensity, liturgical symbolism and the memory of the Passion.
The Orthodox icon is accompanied by an expert appraisal and a blue velvet presentation box.
Provenance: Central Russia. Date: early 19th century. Technique: egg tempera on levkas-prepared panel. Materials: wood and levkas. Dimensions: 31x26 cm. Accompaniment: expert appraisal and blue velvet presentation box.