Antique Russian Orthodox Icon & Gilded Kiot Case Virgin Mary Nativity Scene 1820

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A fine antique early 19th century traditional Russian Orthodox icon depicting the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Birth of … Read more A fine antique early 19th century traditional Russian Orthodox icon depicting the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Birth of the Mother of God), circa 1820.

The icon is hand painted on a wooden panel, such compositions were prevalent in the early 19th and late 18th centuries in Northern Russia. The icon depicts St. Anne, seated prominently on the left on a raised bed after giving birth, she is attended by maidens with gifts and attendants in the center bringing food, water, and gifts to comfort her.
St. Joachim is seated on the far right in a separate chamber, often depicted in quiet reflection or prayer. Hovering above the structure is a representation of God the Father or the Divine Presence in the heavens, blessing the scene. Painted with egg tempera and gold leaf on a wooden board with a gesso (levkas) ground. Painted with arched temple chambers with green domes to segment the different actions happening at the same time. This is a classical composition following traditional Orthodox iconography guidelines for major religious feast.

Written Left in Cyrillic "The Image of the Nativity"
Written Right in Cyrillic "Of the Most Holy Mother of God"

The painted icon is set inside a highly ornate, gilded, and heavily carved wooden frame (often referred to as a kiot or icon case liner) featuring thick scrolling grapevines and floral motifs
custom kiots were exceptionally expensive status symbols commissioned only by wealthier families or churches to protect and honor highly valued paintings. The icon and kiot case are both in very good condition. See less