59 - Protection of the Mother of God (Pokrov) - 19th century

Protection of the Mother of God (Pokrov) - 19th century Egg tempera on panel Height x width: 44.5 x 37 cm One of the most beloved and theologically significant feasts in the Russian Orthodox tradition is Pokrov (the Protection or Veil of the Virgin), celebrated on October 1 to commemorate a miracle that occurred in the 10th century at the Church of Blachernae in Constantinople. Iconographically, the composition is arranged in two superimposed registers within a monumental architectural framework that replicates the interior of a Byzantine basilica, featuring finely rendered domes and apses. In the upper register, the Mother of God appears floating amidst the clouds, praying for humanity and flanked by angels, apostles, prophets, and saints; she holds—or is assisted by angels in holding—a luminous veil (the omophorion), a visible symbol of divine protection and intercession. In the upper left corner, Christ appears in glory, accepting the Virgin’s supplication. The lower register depicts the earthly dimension of the miracle: at the center, standing on the ambo, is the slender figure of Saint Romanos the Melodist—patron saint of sacred singers—holding a scroll inscribed with the Christmas hymn he composed. To his right (the viewer’s left) are Emperor Leo the Wise, the Empress, and the Patriarch of Constantinople, while on the opposite side stands Saint Andrew, the “Fool for Christ” (yurodivy), pointing ecstatically toward the heavenly vision so that his young disciple Epiphanius might see it. Technically, the painting follows the canons of traditional miniature-style painting, executed in egg tempera on a panel carefully prepared with a gesso ground (*levkas*). The work is distinguished by exceptional skill in calligraphic draftsmanship and a lavish use of gold leaf—employed both for the background and the Old Church Slavonic inscriptions surmounting the scene, and for the exquisitely fine linear highlights (assist) that illuminate the saints’ garments, liturgical vestments, and architectural details—thereby lending the panel extraordinary radiance and vibrant spiritual depth. 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 color loss.