78 - Four-part icon (The Protection of the Mother of God, The Beheading and Finding of the Head of Saint John the Baptist, Our Lady of Kazan, and Saint Nicholas) - 19th century

Four-part icon (The Protection of the Mother of God, The Beheading and Finding of the Head of Saint John the Baptist, Our Lady of Kazan, and Saint Nicholas) - 19th century Egg tempera on panel Height x width: 36 x 30 cm Structured as a compendium of key liturgical feasts, miracles, and devotions from the Orthodox tradition, the composition is divided into four distinct quadrants, offering a sophisticated theological narrative and serving as a powerful vessel of intercession for the faithful. The upper-left quadrant depicts the Pokrov (the Protection or Veil of the Mother of God)—one of the most cherished feasts in Russia—showing the Virgin spreading her protective veil over a multitude of the faithful and saints; below, in the center, stands the hymnographer Saint Romanos the Melodist, accompanied by Andrew the Fool-for-Christ, who points toward the sacred vision. The upper-right quadrant presents the hagiographic narrative of the Beheading and the Finding of the Head of Saint John the Baptist, unfolding through several concentrated sequences: on the left, the martyrdom takes place, with the executioner brandishing his sword, while on the right, the severed head of the Forerunner is solemnly placed into a liturgical basin and laid within a tomb, set against stylized architectural forms. The lower register begins on the left with the profound Marian iconography of the Mother of God of Kazan (*Kazanskaya*)—one of the most venerated protective images in Russia—characterized by a tight close-up of the Virgin, her head gently inclined toward the Child Jesus, who stands upright in a frontal pose, bestowing a blessing. Finally, the lower-right quadrant features the solemn, hieratic figure of Saint Nicholas of Myra (also known as Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker). He is depicted from the waist up, wearing traditional, embroidered episcopal vestments; his right hand is raised in an Orthodox blessing, while his left hand holds an open Gospel book. Flanking him, within small, celestial-blue circular medallions, are miniature figures of Christ and the Virgin Mary, who are shown bestowing his episcopal insignia upon him. From a strictly formal perspective, the panel reflects the exceptional technical skill characteristic of the Central Russian schools of painting from the late 19th century—a tradition deeply rooted in the art of the miniature. The faces—most notably those of the Virgin of Kazan and Saint Nicholas—are rendered with delicate modeling and dark skin tones, illuminated by subtle, graphic strokes of light. The color palette emphasizes a contrast between cinnabar reds and warm ochre tones, accented by fine, thread-like gold highlights that trace the folds of the garments. The deliberate inclusion of these four pillars of the Orthodox faith—the protection of the Pokrov (the Veil of the Virgin), the martyrdom of the Forerunner (John the Baptist), the intercession of the Virgin of Kazan, and the pastoral guidance of Saint Nicholas—makes this piece an object of profound spiritual and collectible significance, likely commissioned for the private oratory of a sophisticated and devout patron. 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.