Description

This 19^th century Russian icon is representing The Protection of the Mother of God  (Theotokos).  Where Theokotos is spreading her veil over gathered Saints and disciples, with Andrew the Fool in the center. On the upper right there are also two Saints or Angels facing the Mother of God.

The golden background of icons is a symbol of the spiritual world and divine radiance. It conveys the magnificence of the Heaven where there is no darkness. This icon is painted with a background of gold (yellow) as well as Halos and parts of the vestments of the Saints are also painted with gold symbolizing their divinity.  The Mother of God is clothed with the typical red robe symbolizing energy and love but also her suffering from the loss of her Son. The inner blue tunic, signifies her purity and humanity.

The Protecting Veil of the Theotokos celebrates the appearance of the Mother of God at Blachernae Palace Church in Constantinople in the 10^th Century to Andrew the Fool -for-Christ and his disciple Epiphanius. Blachernae Church is where Theotokos’ robe, veil and belt are supposedly kept since the 5^th Century’s removal from Palestine.  During the sighting she took of her veil off and spread it over St Andrei of Constantinople and his disciples to protect them and the city of Constantinople from a threatened barbarian invasion.  After her appearance the danger was averted and the city was spared

The icon has some loss to the edges, two small holes near the top where nails had been used to attach to the wall, some loss and craquelure of paint.  The wooden body has the expected bend or ark, a cut-back of the center of the panel, that antique wood icons are supposed to have. The ark signifies the separation of the earthly world from the heavens that is depicted on the icon.  Please look at all images.

Another peculiarity of this icon is that the painting was continued down the lower front edge on the left side, only partial gold paint remains.

Measurements:  6 ¾  inches wide  x  8 ½ inches high  x  1 inch thick wood body