Ancient icon depicting 'Mother of God who softens sick hearts'

Russia (Moscow City)

Period XVIII Century

Egg tempera on gold background panel

Dimensions: 54 x 42 cm.

From the point of view of iconography, this rare Marian typology called '' Mother of God who softens sick hearts '', carries the Holy Spirit on her breast, represented by a dove that emits rays of light. In particular, it is a variant of the Madonna Odighitria, in which Christ is depicted standing, in an upright position and supported by his mother, with his right hand blessing, both with his gaze directed at the observer.

The connection model is certainly the Italian one of the fourteenth century, one cannot fail to connect it to certain Madonnas of the Bolognese area (for example Giovanni da Bologna), in which the Virgin's mantle is often held at the breast by a round fibula with a small bird. in the center.

Orthodox iconography reads this detail naturally in a theological sense, seeing in it the representation of the Holy Spirit. Both the Mother and the Child are depicted as Queen and King of the Universe: the Virgin wears a crown on her head and holds the Christ Child, who is also crowned while holding the Gospel

The uniqueness of this icon therefore lies in the fact that both mother and son are depicted with a sumptuous crown.

The details and the colors are splendid, further highlighted and embellished by the gold background.

The large icon in question, from the Moscow school, is in excellent condition, is obviously of a high executive level and like all our objects, it is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a description of the iconographic typology in question.