Icon - Wood

Russian four-part icon of the Virgin
Russia, ca. 1850–1900

Provenance: Private collection
Region: Russia
Period: 1850–1900 (late 19th century)
Tempera on panel (without gold leaf)
Style: Russian Orthodox iconographic tradition
It is only shipped to European countries.

Description

Quadripartite Russian icon, painted in tempera on panel, structured by a blue cross dividing the composition into four scenes dedicated to different Marian advocations used devotionally in 19th-century Orthodox Russia.

In the upper left quadrant, the Virgin of the Burning Bush (Neopalimaya Kupina) is depicted, inscribed within a four-pointed star with angels in the corners, symbolizing protection against fires and sudden dangers.
In the upper right quadrant, the Virgin of Consolation of the Afflicted (Skorbyashchaya) appears blessing the faithful who come to beseech her for help with illnesses or misfortunes.

The lower left quadrant shows the Mother of God 'de la Regla' (or of akathist character), where the crowned Virgin appears behind a lectern holding the Child, emphasizing her role as Teacher and Mediator.
The lower right quadrant depicts the Dormition of the Mother of God (Uspénie): the apostles surround the bed while Christ takes Mary's soul, depicted as a girl wrapped in light.

The reverse shows the typical darkened surface of Russian tablets, with remnants of a removed label and brush marks characteristic of traditional craftsmanship. The polychromy is typical of the second half of the 19th century, with matte colors, fine outlining, and writing in ecclesiastical Slavic.