Russian Orthodox Icon – Our Lady “joy Of The Afflicted” – Icon Of Consolation - Icon

First half of the 19th century. Origin: Russian School. Orthodox icon painted on wood, depicting the Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady “Joy of All Who Sorrow,” one of the themes most deeply linked to human suffering, healing, and intercession in the Orthodox tradition. This holy icon, which was located in Moscow in the parish church of the Transfiguration, was glorified in 1688, following the miraculous healing of Euphemia, sister of Patriarch Joachim, on October 24 of that same year. Around 1720, Emperor Peter I had the original icon transported from Moscow to his new capital, Saint Petersburg, where it was venerated in the imperial family's private chapel. A copy of this icon also accompanied Peter I during the war against the Turks. The iconographic canon of this representation is therefore relatively late, the first historical mention dating back precisely to 1688. The Mother of God is depicted standing at the center of the composition, in an attitude of universal intercession. At her feet, on either side, flock the afflicted, the sick, the poor, the destitute, pilgrims, and supplicants, coming to seek help, consolation, and healing. The Virgin may be dressed in royal robes and crowned, and when the Child is present, he is also depicted. She may hold an unfurled scroll bearing the following message: “O most merciful Son, turn your gaze upon your Mother and hear the prayer of your servants.” The groups of needy people who throng towards her frequently carry scrolls bearing invocations such as: “Visit us and help us in old age and infirmity, O Sovereign!” “Help those who are suffering from cold and nakedness” “Cloth the naked” “Virgin, Mother of God, hope and consolation of the sick” “Sovereign, healing of the sick and salvation of all” “Give food to the hungry” “Travel with us who are on a journey” “Refuge for sailors” “Sovereign consolation of pilgrims” “Look upon us with Your merciful eyes, O Sovereign, joy of the afflicted, advocate of the forsaken” “Turn our affliction into joy, for we are unhappy.” This iconography depicts the transformation of human suffering through Marian intercession, the Virgin here being the comforter of bodies and souls, within a theology of mercy and universal help. The painting is executed in tempera on a wooden panel, on a levkas ground, with characteristic light highlights. A palette dominated by ochres, browns, and gold tones. The painted frame is integrated into the composition. The reverse features an antique, single-piece panel with signs of wear and previous hanging. The dense and solemn composition is in keeping with the Russian or Eastern European folk tradition of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, intended for domestic worship or a private oratory. Dimensions: to be completed. Condition: old wear, occasional losses of paint layer, craquelure, soiling, and cracks in the support. Homogeneous antique patina. No visible overpainting. ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE VIA DHL EXPRESS ONLY.