38 - Holy Face of Jesus Christ - Late 19th century

Holy Face of Jesus Christ - Late 19th century Egg tempera on panel Height x width: 37 x 30 cm Known in the Byzantine-Orthodox tradition as the Mandylion or Acheiropoietos (“not made by human hands”), this icon features a powerful composition centered on a monumental, close-up view of the Savior’s face. He appears solemn, set against a white cloth or veil, the upper corners of which are held and symmetrically unfurled by two floating archangels depicted in the top corners. The lower portion of the veil is finely decorated with elegant, stylized floral motifs in shades of gold and ochre—reminiscent of the damask fabrics and ornamental patterns characteristic of late 19th-century Russian decorative arts. Christ’s face displays the unmistakable hallmarks of this iconography: the geometric symmetry of his features, a forked, pointed beard, long brown hair parted in the center and falling neatly over his shoulders, and, above all, large, wide-open eyes with a penetrating, timeless gaze that seems to peer into the very soul of the faithful. Behind his head extends a large, circular golden halo, inscribed with the traditional cross and the Greek letters signifying the divine name, “He Who Is.” Further enriching the icon’s intercessory program, the two broad side margins feature four patron and namesake saints—depicted as full-length figures, arranged in stacked registers within dark niches—included at the specific request of the patron to provide protection for the members of their family. From a strictly formal and stylistic perspective, the panel demonstrates the extraordinary technical skill and miniature-like precision typical of 19th-century workshops in Central Russia. The modeling of the face is executed with extremely soft, nuanced transitions of light and shadow—reminiscent of sophisticated Russian painting influenced by Western academic tastes—while preserving the rigorous two-dimensionality and dogmatic stillness required by sacred tradition. The color palette skillfully plays on the sharp visual contrast between the panel’s dark blue background, the luminous whiteness of the veil, and the warm brown and golden tones that envelop the face of Christ. The result is an object of exceptional dramatic impact and profound devotional intensity, conceived as a true visual relic for the home’s icon corner. 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. Minor paint loss.