Tempera on slightly curved wooden panel bordered in red, black, and brown. The central image shows the Virgin facing forward with arms raised. She is clothed in dark green-black robes with red head veil and gold leaf halo. In the center of her chest within a circular medallion is the Christ child shown from the waist up, also facing forward with one hand raised in blessing gesture. He is clothed in red and tan robes with gold halo.
Type of Painting
Panel
Collection
Betsy Scheuring Icon Collection
Acquisition
Accession
2005.02
Source or Donor
Betsy Scheuring
Acquisition Method
Gift
Credit Line
Gift of Betsy Scheuring
Made/Created
Date made
1875 - 1900
Time Period
19th Century
Lexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Secondary Object Term
Icon
Nomenclature Primary Object Term
Symbol, Religious
Nomenclature Sub-Class
Religious Objects
Nomenclature Class
Ceremonial Objects
Nomenclature Category
Category 08: Communication Objects
Dimensions
Height
7 in
Width
5-13/16 in
Depth
1 in
Exhibition
Spirit Made Tangible: The Scheuring Icon Collection (2006)
Interpretative Labels
Label Type
Cultural/Historical Context
Label
According to legend, the prototype of this icon saved the city of Novgorod from an invasion in 1170CE, when it was brought to the town’s wall and, after being struck by an arrow, shed tears for the city. It was a sign that the Mother of God interceded on the defenders’ behalf. The Virgin appears frontally in an “orant” pose, raising both hands in prayer and displaying the little Christ child in a circle on her breast. He is fully draped, makes a gesture of blessing, and has a crossed halo. The Virgin’s red cloak has a finely embroidered border, as do the cuffs of her dark green tunic. Her gold halo appears against a light brown ground set within a dark brown frame. The formal style of the image reflects its medieval model well.
