Russian hand-painted icon of Unexpected Joy, 14x10 cm
Russian hand-painted icon of Unexpected Joy, 14x10 cm. Painted according to the principles of the Byzantine‑Russian school of iconography on a linden wood panel with application of gold leaf. The image is inspired by the tale of Saint Dimitry, Bishop of Rostov, and depicts a man kneeling in prayer before the Virgin and the Child Jesus. At the base of the religious icon there is an inscription introducing the narrative from which this representation derives; the scene is distinguished by the knee...
Info and features
Russian hand-painted icon of Unexpected Joy, 14x10 cm. Painted according to the principles of the Byzantine‑Russian school of iconography on a linden wood panel with application of gold leaf. The image is inspired by the tale of Saint Dimitry, Bishop of Rostov, and depicts a man kneeling in prayer before the Virgin and the Child Jesus. At the base of the religious icon there is an inscription introducing the narrative from which this representation derives; the scene is distinguished by the kneeling figure on the left and by the visible wounds of Christ, sometimes shown dripping blood. The story relates how a man, despite living in sin, prayed daily before an image of the Mother of God. One day he saw the icon come to life and the wounds of Christ bleed. When he asked what had happened, the Virgin replied that it was the sins of men that renewed her Son's sufferings. Deeply moved, the man sincerely repented and, with tears, asked for forgiveness. After his conversion he received the grace of pardon, thus obtaining the "Unexpected Joy" that gives the icon its name. The liturgical memorial of this Orthodox icon is celebrated on December 9 and May 1. The religious icon measures 14 x 10 cm, is 2 cm thick and is supplied with a certificate of authenticity on the reverse. It can be hung on a wall using the preinstalled hook or displayed inside the included wooden case lined in velvet.