Russian Icon “our Lady Of The Sign” – 19th Century – Riza In Repoussé Brass

Russian icon “Our Lady of the Sign” – 19th century – Riza in embossed brass

Russian Orthodox icon representing the Virgin of the Sign (Znamenie), one of the most ancient and venerated representations of the Mother of God in the Byzantine and Russian tradition.

Description

She is depicted here as a bust, with Christ Emmanuel appearing in a medallion in the center of her torso – symbolizing the Incarnation.
The icon is covered with an oklad (riza) in embossed and engraved brass, finely decorated with floral motifs and symbolic radiances, highlighting the central composition and the eight angels surrounding the Virgin.
These are arranged in a fan shape, in triangular segments evoking the celestial mandorla.
The background is decorated with a profusion of engraved details: stars, instruments of the Passion (notably the ladder and the spear visible in the close-ups), as well as a Cyrillic inscription at the bottom of the icon.
The letters MP ΘΥ in the upper corners stand for “Μήτηρ Θεοῦ” (Mother of God).
The painting under the riza is partially visible, with red and black highlights still legible despite some old wear.

The presentation base is not included.

Dimensions: 22 × 18 cm
Period: mid/second half of the 19th century
Origin: Imperial Russia
Technique: tempera on wood, stamped brass oklad

Condition:

Good overall condition, old oklad with beautiful patina

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