14 - Mother of God "Unconsumed Bush" or "Burning Bush" - 19th century

Mother of God "Unconsumed Bush" or "Burning Bush" - 19th century Egg tempera on panel Height x width: 44.5 x 36 cm surmounted by the “Praise of the Prophets” (the Neopalimaja Kupina, or “Burning Bush”), interpreted here through a superb and elaborate floral-narrative variation rather than the traditional geometric, star-like motif. At the center of the composition, set within a raised square frame (kovčeg), stands the solemn image of the Mother of God “of the Sign” (Znamenie). She is depicted in a half-length pose, her hands raised in prayer and intercession; upon her breast rests a large, circular, medallion-like clipeus containing the Divine Infant Emmanuel, who blesses the world. This central image is encircled by a dense, spectacular garland of foliage—rich with dark green leaves, vibrant red rosebuds, and ochre-colored blossoms—symbolizing both the Garden of Paradise and the burning bush from the Book of Exodus, which burned without being consumed—a quintessential prefiguration of the Virgin Mary. Nestled among the branches of this mystical bush, arranged in a circle and strictly ordered by hierarchy, are the half-length figures of Old Testament prophets (including David, Solomon, Moses, and Elijah, identified by calligraphic inscriptions). Each is crowned with a golden halo and holds an unfurled scroll inscribed with prophecies in Old Church Slavonic, foretelling the Incarnation of the Word through the Virgin Mary. In the upper section, presiding over and blessing the entire theophanic composition, the majestic, upright figure of God the Father (the Lord of Hosts)—or perhaps the risen Christ—emerges from amidst dark, receding clouds; He is draped in pure white robes, His arms outstretched, His head encircled by a distinctive eight-pointed, star-shaped halo. In terms of style and color, the work reveals a painterly execution characteristic of a high-level devotional tradition, marked by a remarkable, miniature-like precision. The color palette masterfully juxtaposes the deep brownish-purple of the Virgin’s maphorion with the dark emerald green of the vegetation—a contrast enlivened by the vibrant cinnabar red of the flowers and the prophets’ mantles—all further enhanced by expansive applications of polished gold leaf covering the large upper backgrounds and the halos. The entire scene is strictly framed by a wide, orange-red (minium) and green border. H.E. Most Rev. Francisco-Javier Lozano Sebastián, Titular Archbishop of Penafiel and Apostolic Nuncio Emeritus. Item condition rating: **** good. The lot is in good condition, with normal wear and defects commensurate with its age and use over time. Wear and minor color loss.