AN ICON OF THE KAZAN MOTHER OF GOD WITH AN ATTENDANT FEMALE SAINT.

An antique Russian icon of the Kazan Mother of God, executed in the tradition of 18th-century Russian icon painting. The icon is distinguished by its harmonious composition, expressive rendering of the faces and refined palette combining warm ochre tones, deep reddish-brown hues and a gilded ground. The Mother of God is depicted in the characteristic bust-length composition of the Kazan iconographic type, her head gently inclined towards the Christ Child and her gaze directed towards the beholder. To her right stands the Christ Child, dressed in a red himation over a dark chiton, His right hand raised in a gesture of blessing. The faces are characterised by restrained expressiveness, delicately delineated features and subtle modelling. The Virgin`s maphorion is embellished with fine gold lines accentuating the folds of the drapery. The gilded ground, with finely outlined red haloes, lends the composition a particular solemnity. On the left border, within a narrow rectangular reserve, appears a standing female saint wearing a red garment, her head covered and encircled by a halo. Her identity requires further investigation. The painted decoration is complemented by traditional iconographic inscriptions. The icon is painted on a wooden panel. Its distinctive artistic character derives from the interplay of the gold ground with rich red and dark green tones, the meticulous rendering of the drapery and the contemplative expressions of the faces. The compositional arrangement and painting technique reflect the traditions of 18th-century Russian religious art. Materials and Technique: Wood panel, levkas (gesso ground), presumably tempera, gilding. Inscriptions: Traditional abbreviated inscriptions identifying the Mother of God and Jesus Christ, painted in red. Dimensions: 32 × 25.5 cm. Condition: Signs of age consistent with the period. Wear to the gilding, localised losses to the paint layer, darkening of the surface coating and wear along the edges of the panel. The principal composition and faces remain clearly legible.

Estimate:£418.35

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