Russian Antique Icon Our Lady of the Sign 19th Century, 31x26 cm
Antique Russian icon depicting the Mother of God, Our Lady of the Sign, originating from Central Russia and datable to the 19th century. The panel measures 31x26 cm and is executed in egg tempera on wood with levkas. The iconography of Our Lady of the Sign belongs to the Orant type, one of the oldest forms of Marian representation in Christian art. The Virgin is shown frontally with raised arms in a gesture of prayer, while a medallion on her breast contains the Christ Child, symbol of the myste...
Info and features
Antique Russian icon depicting the Mother of God, Our Lady of the Sign, originating from Central Russia and datable to the 19th century. The panel measures 31x26 cm and is executed in egg tempera on wood with levkas. The iconography of Our Lady of the Sign belongs to the Orant type, one of the oldest forms of Marian representation in Christian art. The Virgin is shown frontally with raised arms in a gesture of prayer, while a medallion on her breast contains the Christ Child, symbol of the mystery of the Incarnation. The image recalls the prophecy of Isaiah: "The Lord himself will give you a sign: a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be Emmanuel," from which the icon takes its name. The religious icon is rooted in Byzantine tradition and in the ancient depictions of the Orant Virgin, developed over the centuries into the characteristic form of Our Lady of the Sign, widely venerated in the Russian Orthodox world.
The Virgin's raised hands express prayer and intercession, while the presence of Christ in the medallion highlights Mary's role as Mother of the Incarnate Word and mediator between heaven and earth. The icon is supplied with an expert appraisal certificate and a velvet presentation case.
From: Central Russia
Period: 19th century
Technique: egg tempera
Materials: wood and levkas
Dimensions: 31x26 cm
Subject: Our Lady of the Sign
Accompaniment: expert appraisal certificate and velvet case.