103 - Tripartite icon depicting the Mother of God “Gaze of Fire,” the Mother of God of the Three Hands, and interceding saints—19th century

Tripartite icon depicting the Mother of God “Gaze of Fire,” the Mother of God of the Three Hands, and interceding saints—19th century Egg tempera on panel Height x width: 31.5 x 26.5 cm It is characterized by a luminous background entirely covered in gold leaf that isolates the sacred figures within a timeless dimension, in keeping with the canons of late 19th-century Russian devotional painting. The pictorial surface is divided horizontally into two main sections, separating the monumental Marian iconography above from a host of saints below. In the upper-left quadrant appears the rare and powerful image of the Mother of God “Gaze of Fire” (*Ognevidnaja*)—identifiable by her face, rendered in vivid, intense tones, and the scarlet *maphorion* that envelops her entirely, symbolizing divine fire and the Holy Spirit. The upper-right quadrant depicts the renowned Mother of God of the Three Hands (*Troeručica*)—associated with the miracle of Saint John of Damascus—in which a third, metallic hand is clearly visible in the lower left, while she holds the infant Jesus, who is shown in a hieratic pose, bestowing a blessing. The lower register features a solemn assembly of eight interceding saints, depicted full-length and arranged symmetrically on a strip of green ground. Among them, one can discern royal figures wearing crowns and opulent ceremonial robes on the left; bishops and long-bearded ascetic hermits in the center; and female martyrs on the right. Many of these figures hold unrolled scrolls inscribed with liturgical prayers in Old Church Slavonic. From a strictly formal and stylistic perspective, the panel demonstrates the exceptional skill of the artisan workshops of Central Russia, which were capable of combining a rigorous adherence to ancient theological models with a level of execution so refined that it approaches the quality of a miniature. The faces of the two Virgins feature soft modeling combined with well-defined, graphic contours, their large, penetrating gazes directed toward the viewer. Taken as a whole, the presence of these specific protective iconographic elements—alongside a host of patron saints rendered in warm shades of red, blue, and ochre—suggests that the icon was commissioned for the private devotion of a wealthy family, conceived as a powerful and elegant vessel of spiritual protection for their home. 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.