Smolensk Icon of the Theotokos, Russian painted icon of the 18th c., 11.5x10 in

Smolensk Icon of the Theotokos, Russian painted icon of the 18th c., 11.6x9.8 inches. Icon of Our Lady of Smolensk, painted in central Russia in the 18th century, of the Hodigitria iconographic type.
The Mother of God is depicted face-on with her head slightly bent over toward the Child, seated on his mother's left arm, while the Virgin's right hand pointing him as the source of salvation.
The Smolensk icon allegedly went from Constantinople to Jerusalem and was used to bless the daughter of Constantine IX Monomachos daughter in 1046 during her wedding. In the 12th century, the icon was transferred to Smolensk and the first miracle occurred in 1237 helping defeating the Tartars during the siege of the city. In 1812, during Napoleon's invation, the Russian army took the miraculous army to Moscow and used to bless the whole army before the battle of Borodino to protect Russia from the ennemy and help the army win.
Icon painted on wood with egg tempera, delivered in an elegant blue velvet box with expertise.