Icon - Birth of Mary - Wood

Russian Orthodox icon of the type 'Nativity of the Virgin Mary' (in Slavic: Рождество Пресвятой Богородицы – Rozhdestvó Presviatóy Bogoróditsy).

The feast represents the birth of the Mother of God, based on the tradition recorded in the Protoevangelium of James. It is one of the Twelve Great Feasts of the Orthodox calendar (celebrated on September 8).

Iconographic description

Santa Ana appears reclined on the bed, after childbirth, wrapped in a red cloak (symbol of life and motherhood).

San Joaquín, her husband, is sitting to the right, in a reflective and grateful attitude.

In the center, a maid offers care after the birth.

In the lower left, the bath scene of the Virgin child can be seen, a traditional iconography that emphasizes the real humanity of Mary.

On the margins, saints or prophets appear in small figures, acting as spiritual witnesses to the event.

The schematic architecture of the background places the scene in a domestic space, typical of Russian narrative icons.

Style and approximate dating

Russian school, probably between the 17th and 18th centuries.

Egg tempera painting on panel, with a dark aged background.

Characteristic features: stylized figures, earth tones (ochres, deep reds), golden halos already darkened by time.

Theological significance

This icon is not just narrative.

Proclaims that the birth of Mary is the beginning of salvation, for from her will be born Christ.

Highlight divine intervention in human history, even in everyday moments (a birth, a house).

That is why, in the liturgy, it is sung:
Today the gates of grace open: the Mother of God is born.
An authenticity certificate is provided, endorsed by the Ministry of Culture of Estonia.