Antique Russian icon, early 19th century, Mother of God of Kiev‑Pechersk, 13.7x11.6 in
Antique Russian icon, early 19th century, Mother of God of Kiev‑Pechersk, 13.7x11.6 in.
Antique Russian icon depicting the Mother of God of Kiev‑Pechersk, originating from Moscow, Russia, and datable to the early 19th century. The panel measures 13.7x11.6 in and is executed in egg tempera on wood prepared with levkas, with a gold ground.
The Mother of God of Kiev‑Pechersk, also known as the "Mother of God of the Caves," is connected to the tradition of the Kiev Caves Monastery. According to tradit...
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Antique Russian icon, early 19th century, Mother of God of Kiev‑Pechersk, 13.7x11.6 in.
Antique Russian icon depicting the Mother of God of Kiev‑Pechersk, originating from Moscow, Russia, and datable to the early 19th century. The panel measures 13.7x11.6 in and is executed in egg tempera on wood prepared with levkas, with a gold ground.
The Mother of God of Kiev‑Pechersk, also known as the "Mother of God of the Caves," is connected to the tradition of the Kiev Caves Monastery. According to tradition, one of the earliest images of this type was attributed to the monk Alimpiy in the 12th century; the icon quickly became an object of deep veneration because of miracles ascribed to it.
The iconography shows the Virgin enthroned with the Christ Child at the centre, blessing with both hands. At the sides appear Saints Anthony and Theodosius of the Pechersk Caves, key figures of the monastic spirituality linked to the complex, depicted holding scrolls with devotional inscriptions.
The composition relates the figure of the Mother of God to the monastic tradition and the theme of spiritual protection: the gilded throne, the centrality of Christ, and the presence of the two saints create a solemn scene rich in references to the religious history of the Kiev‑Pechersk area. The tradition of the icon is also associated with the healing of Prince Roman of Chernigov, an episode that helped increase the icon's veneration and led to the diffusion of numerous iconographic variants over the centuries.
Supplied with an expert appraisal and presented in a velvet case.
Provenance: Moscow, Russia.
Date: early 19th century.
Technique: egg tempera.
Materials: wood with levkas.
Finish: gold background.
Dimensions: 13.7x11.6 in.
Subject: Mother of God of Kiev‑Pechersk with Saints Anthony and Theodosius.
Accompanying items: expert appraisal and velvet case.