Antique Russian icon, mid-19th century, Theotokos of Tikhvin, 12.2x10.6 in
Antique Russian icon, mid-19th century, Theotokos of Tikhvin, 12.2x10.6 in.
Antique Russian icon depicting the Theotokos of Tikhvin, originating from Moscow, Russia, and datable to the mid-19th century. The work measures 12.2x10.6 in and is executed in egg tempera on wood with levkas.
The Theotokos of Tikhvin is one of the most venerated Marian images in the Russian Orthodox tradition. According to chronicles, the icon appeared in 1383 near Novgorod and, after several apparitions, became associate...
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Antique Russian icon, mid-19th century, Theotokos of Tikhvin, 12.2x10.6 in.
Antique Russian icon depicting the Theotokos of Tikhvin, originating from Moscow, Russia, and datable to the mid-19th century. The work measures 12.2x10.6 in and is executed in egg tempera on wood with levkas.
The Theotokos of Tikhvin is one of the most venerated Marian images in the Russian Orthodox tradition. According to chronicles, the icon appeared in 1383 near Novgorod and, after several apparitions, became associated with Tikhvin, where the Church of the Dormition and later the Tikhvin Monastery were established.
Over the centuries this image has been regarded as a symbol of protection and intercession. Tradition also attributes to the Virgin of Tikhvin the safeguarding of the monastery during the Swedish siege of 1613-1615, an episode that further increased devotion to the icon.
Iconographically, the Theotokos of Tikhvin is close to the Hodegetria type, the “She who shows the Way.” The Virgin supports the Child Jesus and points to him as the path to salvation; a distinguishing feature of the Tikhvinskaja is Christ’s blessing gesture directed toward his Mother with his right hand.
The composition thus combines the theme of divine motherhood with that of spiritual guidance, preserving the symbolic language typical of 19th-century Russian iconography.
The icon is supplied with an expert appraisal and a velvet presentation case, which complete its documentation and presentation.
Provenance: Moscow, Russia
Period: mid-19th century
Technique: egg tempera
Materials: wood and levkas
Dimensions: 12.2x10.6 in
Subject: Theotokos of Tikhvin
Contents: expert appraisal and velvet presentation case.