217 - ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD “JOY OF ALL WHO SORROW”. RUSSIA, 20TH CENTURY.

ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD “JOY OF ALL WHO SORROW”. RUSSIA, 20TH CENTURY. A monumental Russian icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow”, executed in the 20th century in the tradition of Russian ecclesiastical art. The work is distinguished by its solemn, multi-figural composition, meticulous attention to detail and expressive combination of tempera painting and gilding. At the centre of the composition, the Mother of God is depicted holding the Christ Child, surrounded by a radiant oval mandorla. She wears a crown and holds a sceptre, symbolising her sovereign dignity as the Queen of Heaven. In the upper section of the icon, Christ the Saviour is represented in heavenly glory, bestowing His blessing. On either side of the central image are numerous figures of the afflicted, turning to the Mother of God in prayer for assistance and intercession. Among them are angels, serving as heavenly intermediaries who bring consolation and aid to those in need. The elaborate iconographic programme conveys the fundamental theological significance of the image: mercy, compassion and spiritual consolation. The painting is characterised by the careful modelling of the faces, the delicate rendering of the folds of the garments and meticulous attention to decorative details. The gilded background emphasises the sacred character of the image, while the finely detailed architectural and landscape setting lends spatial depth to the composition. The icon`s considerable dimensions, sophisticated iconographic arrangement and richly elaborated decoration contribute to its monumental and solemn character. Dimensions: 104.5 × 71 cm. Medium: Tempera and gilding on a gesso-prepared wooden panel (levkas). Condition: Good condition. Age-related craquelure, localised damage and losses to the paint layer, areas of wear to the gilding and signs of natural ageing of the wooden panel. Evidence of previous restoration interventions is present. Width: 71cm, Height: 104.5cm, Depth: 6cm, Weight: 15kg, Condition: Good, Material: Tempera, ID: ID-ANTQ-17248