232 - A RUSSIAN ICON OF THE TIKHVIN MOTHER OF GOD. RUSSIA, 18TH CENTURY.

A RUSSIAN ICON OF THE TIKHVIN MOTHER OF GOD. RUSSIA, 18TH CENTURY. An antique Russian icon depicting the Tikhvin Mother of God, executed in the tradition of early Russian icon painting in tempera with gilding. The composition belongs to the iconographic type of the Hodegetria (She Who Shows the Way), one of the most venerated representations of the Virgin in Orthodox Christian art. The Mother of God is depicted half-length, holding the Christ Child on her left arm. Her head is gently inclined towards her Son, while her right hand is raised in a prayerful gesture indicating the Child. The faces are distinguished by their subtle modelling and restrained expressiveness. The Virgin wears a dark maphorion adorned with gilded stars and delicate ornamental detailing. The garments of the Christ Child are rendered in golden-ochre tones, with finely delineated folds highlighted by gold chrysography (assist). The gilded haloes, warm colour palette and striking interplay of dark and golden surfaces lend the icon a particularly solemn character. The composition is set within a recessed central panel (kovcheg), outlined in red. The broad ochre borders are framed by traditional red and dark-green bands. Inscriptions: The upper part of the composition bears the traditional monograms of the Mother of God and Jesus Christ. Dimensions: 30.5 × 26.2 cm. Medium: Wood panel, levkas (gesso ground), tempera and gilding. Condition: Good condition. Natural signs of age, darkening of the protective surface coating, wear to the paint layer and gilding, with minor localised chips along the edges of the wooden panel. Width: 26.2cm, Height: 30.5cm, Depth: 7cm, Weight: 2kg, Condition: Good, Material: Wood, ID: ID-ANTQ-17264