Scuola russa

Antique icon depicting 'Mother of God Who Softens Evil Hearts' Russia (City of Moscow) 18th Century period Egg tempera on gold ground panel Dimensions: 54 x 42 cm. From the iconographic point of view, this rare Marian typology called "Mother of God Who Softens Evil Hearts" bears on her breast the Holy Spirit, represented by a dove emanating rays of light. In particular, it is a variant of the Hodegetria, in which Christ is depicted standing, erect and supported by his mother, with his right hand blessing, both with their eyes directed at the observer. The connecting model is certainly the Italian one of the 14th century, it cannot be linked to certain Madonnas in the Bologna area (for example Giovanni da Bologna), in which the Virgin's cloak is often stopped 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, 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 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 evidently of a high executive level and like all our objects, is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive sheet of the iconographic typology in question.