806 - A large icon depicting the Dormition of the Mother of God, Russia, Vetka, late 19th century

A large icon depicting the Dormition of the Mother of God, Russia, Vetka, late 19th century Wooden panel with two molded sponki on the back (one lost). Tempera on a chalk ground; the background is gilded and exposed in the upper section. In the foreground, the Mother of God lies on a bier, flanked by the mourning apostles. In the very foreground, the fanatical Hebrew Jephonias attempts to overturn the catafalque bearing the body of the Mother of God. An angel is about to cut off both of his hands. Behind the bier, Christ has already received the soul of the departed and holds it in his left arm in the form of a swaddled infant. He is surrounded by angels. The upper third of the painting shows the Mother of God enthroned in the center; above her, two angels open the heavenly sphere. On either side, she is flanked by the Apostles approaching on clouds, accompanied by angels. Lower left corner damaged. Back slightly worm-eaten. Dimensions: 53.5 x 44.5 cm Condition: II - III