Russian icon "Life-giving Spring", 19th century, 14x12 in
Russian icon "Life-giving Spring", 19th century, 14x12 in.
The icon of the "Life-giving Spring" (Zoodochos Pege) is associated with one of the oldest and most venerated Marian shrines of Constantinople, located near the Golden Gate. According to tradition, the future Emperor Leo I, then a soldier, encountered a blind and thirsty man and, following an apparition of the Virgin Mary, discovered a miraculous spring hidden beneath the mud. The man regained his sight after washing with the water, ...
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Russian icon "Life-giving Spring", 19th century, 14x12 in.
The icon of the "Life-giving Spring" (Zoodochos Pege) is associated with one of the oldest and most venerated Marian shrines of Constantinople, located near the Golden Gate. According to tradition, the future Emperor Leo I, then a soldier, encountered a blind and thirsty man and, following an apparition of the Virgin Mary, discovered a miraculous spring hidden beneath the mud. The man regained his sight after washing with the water, and once Leo became emperor he had a church built in honour of the Mother of God, naming it the "Life-giving Spring".
Over time the shrine became a pilgrimage destination and the site of numerous miracles and healings, regarded as one of the most important spiritual centres of Eastern Christianity. The iconography presents the Virgin as a source of grace and life, a symbol of protection and salvation for the faithful.
Executed according to tradition in egg tempera on a wood panel prepared with levkas, following the age-old techniques of Russian icon workshops.
The icon is accompanied by an expert appraisal and presented in a blue velvet case.
Provenance: Moscow – Russia.
Technique: Egg tempera on wood with levkas preparation.
Dimensions: 13.8x11.8 in.
Period: 19th century.