Ancient Russian icon, 19th century, Our Lady of the Sign of Kurskaya with Synaxis of the Archangels, 17.7x14.4 in
Ancient Russian icon, 19th century, Our Lady of the Sign of Kurskaya with Synaxis of the Archangels, 17.7x14.4 in.
Ancient Russian icon depicting the Mother of God of the Sign of Kurskaya with the Synaxis of the Archangels, originating from Vetka and datable to the mid-19th century. The work measures 17.7x14.4 in and is executed in egg tempera on wood with levkas.
The composition belongs to the genre of synaxial icons, in which multiple sacred figures are gathered within a single scene. At the cen...
Info and features
Ancient Russian icon, 19th century, Our Lady of the Sign of Kurskaya with Synaxis of the Archangels, 17.7x14.4 in.
Ancient Russian icon depicting the Mother of God of the Sign of Kurskaya with the Synaxis of the Archangels, originating from Vetka and datable to the mid-19th century. The work measures 17.7x14.4 in and is executed in egg tempera on wood with levkas.
The composition belongs to the genre of synaxial icons, in which multiple sacred figures are gathered within a single scene. At the centre stands the Mother of God of the Sign, a symbol of the divine presence and the Incarnation, surrounded by the Archangels and other saints from the Orthodox tradition.
In Orthodox iconography, the Synaxis of the Archangels evokes the communion of the heavenly hosts and their role of intercession and protection. The central presence of the Mother of God reinforces the spiritual significance of the composition, uniting Marian devotion and angelic veneration in a single image.
Provenance from Vetka places the work within the artistic context of the Old Believers, a tradition noted for preserving ancient iconographic models and for strict fidelity to the canons of Russian sacred painting.
The icon is executed according to the traditional technique of egg tempera on levkas applied to a wooden panel. The painting presents a broad, figure-rich compositional structure conceived to favour prayer and contemplation.
The icon is supplied with an expert appraisal by a qualified specialist and presented in a velvet case, which complete its documentation and presentation.
Provenance: Vetka, Old Believers' tradition
Period: mid-19th century
Technique: egg tempera
Materials: wood and levkas
Dimensions: 17.7x14.4 in
Contents: expert appraisal and velvet case.
Vetka is currently located in Belarus, which became an independent state in 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. At the time the icon was painted, however, the locality belonged to Russia, which is why Russia is indicated as the place of origin.