135 - Russian Icon Depicting the Mother of God of Kazan with a Riza - Late 19th Century

Russian Icon Depicting the Mother of God of Kazan with a Riza - Late 19th Century Tempera on panel with a riza Height x width: 31.5 x 26.5 cm. The icon depicts the renowned Mother of God of Kazan (Kazanskaya), one of the most venerated and replicated Marian images in Russian Orthodoxy, traditionally considered the protector of the nation and the family. Typologically, this iconography stands out as a unique variant of the Hodegetria type (she who shows the way), but condensed into a close-up and essential composition: the Virgin is portrayed not in half-length, but rather “chest-length” (shorter compared to other variants), focusing all spiritual tension on the face. The composition shows the Virgin with her head tenderly inclined toward the Infant Jesus, a gesture that softens traditional Byzantine severity. Christ is depicted standing and strictly frontal, with his right hand raised in a gesture of blessing and his left hidden by the sacred vestments covered by the metal sheet. Unlike other Marian icons, the Child is painted standing upright here, in full-length down to the knees, appearing almost suspended in front of his Mother, while Mary’s hands remain entirely concealed beneath her garments, leaving the Son as the sole visible center of the salvific action. The faces, characterized by an intense and solemn gaze, emerge clearly from the shaped openings of the casing. The artwork is entirely covered by a sumptuous two-tone (silvered and gilded) metal riza. The heads of the Virgin and Child are framed by two majestic sunburst halos (solnečnyj) with brilliant gilding, an ornamental motif typical of the most lavish Russian metalwork. The upper corners are decorated with rich Baroque scrolls and floral motifs in relief. The icon is in good overall condition, retaining a strong devotional and decorative impact. The icon is mounted on a silver-plated copper riza, decorated with repoussé and chased work. Item condition rating: **** good.The original metal riza is preserved in its entirety and displays the natural oxidation of its silvered surface, along with light surface abrasions, minor edge distortions, and small localized areas of lifting and wear that have developed over time. The wooden panel remains stable and structurally sound, fully consistent with the icon’s age, with no evidence of significant structural restoration.