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AUCTION 35: DECEMBER 2022 DECORATIVE AND FINE ART SALE
Lot 74:
A rare orthodox icon of the Mother of God of Korsun, Russian Empire, the first half of the 18th century. Polychrome tempera painting on chalk ground. Thick, wooden plate. Sponki is at the top and bottom of the plate. The icon panel has a recessed rectangular central area for the main image, this recessed area is called the "kovcheg". In the center is the image of the Mother of God with the Infant Jesus in her arms. Their faces touch each other. In the upper part of the icon on the right and left is the inscription "ΜΡ ΘΥ" – an abbreviation for the Greek Μητερ Θεου – Mother of God. Above the head of Jesus is the inscription "IC XC" – an abbreviated spelling of the name of Jesus Christ. At the top of the cruciform halo is the letter "O" an abbreviation of the Greek Θεος – God. The side margins of the icon are light brown with a red edge. The back part has poorly readable inscriptions in Cyrillic, probably the owner’s name. Mother of God of Korsun – the icon of the Mother of God with the Child, revered in the Orthodox Church as miraculous. The name "Korsun" indicates the Byzantine, "Greek" origin of the icon. The name "Korsun" in Russia marked the most outstanding works brought to Russia through Korsun (Chersonese), as well as all sacred objects originating from Korsun. Since the second half of the 17th century, the name "Korsun" has been assigned to a composition with an image of the Mother of God and the Child, presented only in the type "Ελεούσα" (merciful from έλεος – compassion, sympathy). These icons took on a "Korsun" origin, became associated with Korsun, and served as an icon painting model. A magnificent artifact from the time of Peter I and his immediate descendants.
Dimensions: 12 5/16 x 10 1/16 in., (31.3 x 25.5 cm.)
Condition: Very good with expected signs of wear.
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