Russian Orthodox Icon Of The Mother Of God With Scenes From Her Life (kleima), 20th Century

This icon is executed in the tradition of Russian iconography and depicts the Mother of God surrounded by scenes from her life. The central image is that of the Most Holy Virgin Mary shown half-length, holding an open scroll in her hands. Around the main image are scenes (kleima) illustrating events from her earthly life:

• The Nativity of the Virgin (upper left) – Saints Joachim and Anne, parents of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, are represented together with the scene of Mary’s birth.

• The Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple (upper right) – the young Mary is brought into the Temple before the High Priest.

• The Annunciation (lower left) – the Archangel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary the birth of the Savior.

• The Dormition of the Virgin (lower center) – the Mother of God lies upon her funeral bier, surrounded by the apostles, while Christ holds her soul in the form of a child.

• The Presentation of Christ in the Temple (lower right) – the encounter of the child Jesus with the righteous Simeon in the Temple.

At the center, in the Virgin’s hands, is a scroll with an inscription in Cyrillic:
“O Heavenly King, receive the glory of every man and this supplication.”

These words emphasize her intercessory prayer before God on behalf of all humanity.

Thus, this is an icon of the Mother of God with scenes from her life (kleima), combining the central image of the Most Holy Virgin with the essential episodes of her earthly existence. Such icons served as a means of spiritual instruction and prayer, presenting to the faithful an example of humility, purity, and devotion to God.

Good condition, small crack in the upper part, craquelure, darkened varnish.