102 - Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" - 19th century

Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" - 19th century Egg tempera on panel Height x width: 17.5 x 15 cm One of the most beloved and widespread Marian iconographic types in the Orthodox tradition. Its complex compositional structure is organized symmetrically and hierarchically around the monumental figure of the Virgin, who stands full-length at the center of the panel, elevated upon a circular platform or a stylized cloud. Mary wears traditional garments accented with gold—including her characteristic dark *maphorion* (veil)—and is depicted in a gesture of regal yet maternal intercession: her right hand is raised to point toward the source of grace, while her head is bowed with gentle tenderness. Flanking her, arranged in two symmetrical groups, are the faithful—the sick, the crippled, and the destitute—collectively known as the “afflicted” (to whom the icon’s title refers)—all reaching out with outstretched hands in search of comfort and healing. Moving among them are angelic figures, sent by the Virgin and recognizable by their wings and classical-style robes; acting as consoling intermediaries, they carry white scrolls inscribed with Old Church Slavonic text, bearing both prayers and promises of divine relief. In the side sections of the panel, set within distinct vertical niches that serve as protective wings, are two full-length standing saints (typically a guardian angel or patron saint on the left, and a female monastic saint or martyr on the right)—a compositional arrangement frequently found in icons intended for private or family devotion, designed to safeguard the members of the household. The upper portion of the composition draws the viewer into the strictly celestial and Trinitarian realm. Above the Virgin stands the figure of Jesus Christ Pantocrator, shown in the act of blessing; He is set within a radiant nimbus amidst the clouds, flanked by sacred inscriptions in Cyrillic script, and is depicted holding the Gospel while watching over His Mother’s intercession. From a formal and stylistic perspective, the work exhibits the characteristic traits of nineteenth-century Russian painting schools, which favored meticulous graphic detail and a pronounced decorative sensibility: the folds of the garments are traced with fine, golden highlights that underscore their spiritual nature, while the color palette emphasizes a combination of warm ochre, red, and brown tones, contrasted by the pure whiteness of the angels’ wings and the inscribed scrolls. Taken as a whole, the icon is distinguished by an excellent balance between the solemnity of theological dogma and the intimate emotional engagement of the supplicants, serving as a significant testament to the devotional artistic production of Imperial Russia. 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 losses.