Orthodox icon | Five Mother of God icons | Bronze | 24665
SKU:
- Typ: Russian icon
- Material: Metal-/Bronze-/Brass icon
- Age: 19th century
- Size: 14 x 8.5 cm | 5.5 x 3.3 in
Description
Orthodox icon | Five Mother of God icons | Bronze | 24665.
Crafted from bronze, brass, or yellow metal, this travel icon showcases vibrant multicolored enamel. It comprises one part of a four-part Tetraptych travel icon, with each section symbolizing a distinct aspect of the Blessed Mother.
Top:
Praise of the Mother of God: This panel showcases the Mother of God seated on a majestic throne. Her body is gently turned, her head slightly bowed, and her right hand raised in a welcoming gesture. Surrounding her are 12 apostles and kings, all facing her with reverence. Positioned on the front left and right sides of the throne are King David and King Solomon.
Inscriptions on the scrolls of the prophets include phrases such as “I have seen the burning bush,” “What I have heard, I see,” “I am…,” “Rejoice greatly, O Zion,” “Here is the pregnant virgin,” and “Rejoice in…”.
Behind this scene, delicate tendrils unfold, revealing a medallion with the image of Christ Emmanuel, the pre-existent logos, positioned above the Mother of God. In certain variations, the icon also symbolically connects the veneration of the Blessed Mother with the root of Jesse, depicted by a tendril growing from Jesse lying on the ground.
Top left:
The Mother of God of Tikhvin: This iconic representation actively showcases the Mother of God pointing towards the incarnate Son of God. He is enthroned, bestowing blessings while holding a scroll. The Tikhvin Mother of God icon appeared miraculously in 1383 on a cloud above Lake Ladoga.
A group of astonished fishermen witnessed the icon’s radiant glow as it gracefully floated above the water while they were casting their nets. Guided by angels, the icon made several appearances until it settled near the Tikhwinka River, close to the city of Tikhvin.
A church dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary was diligently erected at this significant site. Despite enduring multiple destructive fires, the church miraculously safeguarded the precious icon within its walls, ensuring its pristine preservation. This revered icon holds immense importance throughout Russia, particularly in prayers for the well-being and recovery of children.
Top right:
The Mother of God of Vladimir depicts her holding the child on her right arm, known as the Umilenia type from Byzantium in the 11th century.
The Blessed Mother tenderly turns towards her child, expressing sorrow as she envisions the future suffering He will endure.
The intimate bond between them is beautifully portrayed.
Bottom left:
The Mother of God of Smolensk holds her Son with her left hand and points to Him with her right hand. The Savior, holding a scroll in His left hand, extends His right hand in a gesture of blessing.
According to tradition, this icon was painted by the apostle and evangelist Luke. It came to Russia from Constantinople as a gift from the Greek Emperor Constantine IX Monomachus to Anna, his daughter, upon her marriage to Prince von Cernigov Jaroslav the Wise.
Bottom right:
The Mother of God of the Sign of Novgorod originated from a marble relief at the Blacherner Church in Constantinople.
One replica of this iconic representation defended Novgorod in 1170 against invading armies from Vladimir-Sustal.
Guided by a divine vision, Archbishop Johann of Novgorod instructed the residents to carry the icon in a solemn procession along the city walls and place it on the battlements. Miraculously, the city was spared.
The icon depicts the Mother of God in an oranten position, cradling Jesus, known as Emmanuel, on her chest within a radiant aureole. It is widely revered throughout Russia, holding significant historical and spiritual importance.