**Originally Listed At $500**

Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. late 18th to 19th century CE. A precious example of the Virgin of the Kiss Mother of God icon, a subject that derives from a prototype purportedly painted by Saint Luke at Ephesus, and believed to be the first icon depicting the Virgin Mary that Prince Vladimir brought to Kiev in 988 CE, finely painted in egg tempera with gold leaf highlights on wood. This composition, cropped just beneath the shoulders amplifies the palpable emotion of their loving gazes and by extension, the strong bond between mother and son. Departing from Italian icons in which Mary holds the Child to her breast with a single hand, in Russian icons like this example she embraces the baby Jesus with both hands. Size: 12.375" L x 9.875" W (31.4 cm x 25.1 cm).

Characteristic of a Mother of God icon, this piece presents the intensely expressive visages of Mary and baby Jesus, their pristine oval faces juxtaposed closely as the Child leans in to press his cheek against his mother’s - the Virgin’s protective, maternal gaze revealing a bittersweet awareness of her son’s fate, returned by Jesus’ sweet, trusting innocence.

Provenance: private Ventura County, California, USA collection

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#121169

Icon repaired from two pieces. Back slats missing. Surface wear with scuffs and losses as shown (various areas, but particularly to Christ's head, corners, peripheries). Nice areas of craquelure.