77 - Four-part icon (Dormition of the Mother of God, Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow,” interceding saints, Beheading of Saint John the Baptist) — Late 19th century

Four-part icon (Dormition of the Mother of God, Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow,” interceding saints, Beheading of Saint John the Baptist) — Late 19th century Egg tempera on panel Height x width: 35.5 x 30.5 cm Structured as a compendium of key liturgical and devotional mysteries from the Orthodox tradition, the composition is divided into four distinct quadrants, combining major liturgical feasts with protective iconography. The upper-left quadrant depicts the Dormition of the Mother of God (Uspenie), showing the Virgin’s lifeless body laid out on a bier, surrounded by the Apostles; behind her, Christ appears within a dark mandorla, holding her soul—depicted as an infant in swaddling clothes. The upper-right quadrant features the icon of the Mother of God, “Joy of All Who Sorrow,” with the Virgin standing in the center, surrounded by hosts of angels and supplicating faithful, who hold white scrolls inscribed with prayers. The lower register begins on the left with a group of five standing intercessory saints; at the center is a bishop-saint holding the Gospel, flanked by martyrs and warrior-saints—figures likely chosen as the patron saints of the person who commissioned the work. Finally, the lower-right quadrant depicts the solemn and evocative scene of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, focusing on the aftermath of his martyrdom: in the foreground, the severed head of the Forerunner rests within a large, gilded liturgical chalice, while in the background to the left, the figure of the Saint can be glimpsed amidst a dense cluster of mystical clouds. In terms of its formal qualities, the panel reflects the refined, miniature-like style characteristic of workshops in Central Russia during the late 19th century—a trait evident in the meticulous rendering of the garments and hair of the numerous figures. The color palette skillfully alternates between cinnabar reds, deep greens, and browns, illuminated by subtle white highlights on the flesh tones and the gold of the halos, which make the figures stand out against the sage-green background of the lower panels. Taken as a whole, the intricate combination of these four theological and iconographic themes lends the work significant value—both as a collector’s piece and as an object of devotion—marking it as a sophisticated icon intended for travel or for a private domestic oratory, designed to facilitate intense, learned daily prayer. 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.