ICON OF THE VLADIMIR MOTHER OF GOD WITH A METAL OKLAD. RUSSIA, 19TH CENTURY

An antique Russian icon of the Vladimir Mother of God, executed in the traditions of 19h-century Russian icon painting and adorned with a richly ornamented metal oklad.

The Mother of God is depicted in the traditional Eleousa (Virgin of Tenderness) iconographic type, holding the Christ Child, who presses His cheek against Hers and embraces Her neck. The composition is distinguished by its expressive character and restrained emotional intensity. The faces are rendered in warm ochre tones, with delicately delineated features. The Virgin`s maphorion is painted in deep reddish-brown hues, while the garments of the Christ Child combine vivid reddish-orange and rich blue tones.

The icon is further distinguished by its decorative metal oklad, embellished with chased foliate and geometric ornament. The large halo of the Mother of God, surmounted by radiating ornament, together with the raised borders surrounding the heads and the richly decorated outer fields, creates an imposing setting for the painted image. The surface of the oklad is additionally adorned with ornamental cartouches and stylised foliate motifs.

The icon is painted on a wooden panel. Traditional iconographic inscriptions remain visible on the painted surface, including an inscription identifying the Vladimir Mother of God.

Materials and Technique: Wood panel, gesso, probably tempera; metal oklad with chased and engraved decoration.

Dimensions: 31.5 × 26.5 cm.

Condition: Natural signs of age. The painted surface displays localised wear and minor losses to the paint layer. The metal oklad shows signs of wear and tarnishing. The reverse of the wooden panel exhibits age-related changes and small holes, possibly caused by wood-boring insects.