15-Russian Icon The Annunciation
18th century
Egg tempera, gold leaf on shaped wood panel, 39" x 27" James and Tatiana Jackson Collection
n this example of the Annunciation, one can readily see the Western
influence. At left the Archangel Gabriel stands before Mary, who is
studying her scriptures, and announces the coming birth of Christ to Her.
The Holy Spirit descends upon Mary in the form of a dove. The inscription
at top reads, “The Annunciation of the Mother of God.” It is one of the 12
great feasts. The size and shape of this panel would suggest it was once
part of the “festival” tier of an iconostasis in a fairly good size
church.
16-Russian Icon Selected Saints
18th century
Egg tempera, gold leaf on wood panel, 12.5" x 10.5" James and Tatiana Jackson Collection
his icon depicts the three female martyr saints, Paraskeva, Ekaterina
(Katherine) and Anastasiya. They each hold a cross symbolizing their
martyrdom. Above each figure is a highly stylized and condensed title. At
upper left the inscription identifies the figure below as Svataya
Muchenitsa Khristova Paraskeva Naritchenenaya Piatnitsa (The Holy Martyr
for Christ Paraskeva Who Is Called Piatnitsa). The central figure is
identified as Svataya Muchenitsa Khristova Ekaterina (The Holy Martyr for
Christ Katherine). And the inscription at top right identifies the figure
below it as Svataya Muchenitsa Khristova Anastasiya Uzoryeshitelnitsa (The
Holy Martyr for Christ Anastasiya Releaser from Fetters). This last title
is used for Anastasiya of Rome. She went about aiding and redeeming
captives, “releasing captives from fetters” (“Obleichenie uznikam ot uz”).
So, in a shortened version, she is called Uzoryeshitelnitsa, or “Releaser
from Fetters.” The icon is displayed next to its gilded silver repoussé
and chased decorative cover (riza). The riza displays the hallmark for
Moscow, and is dated 1796.
n this example of the Annunciation, one can readily see the Western
influence. At left the Archangel Gabriel stands before Mary, who is
studying her scriptures, and announces the coming birth of Christ to Her.
The Holy Spirit descends upon Mary in the form of a dove. The inscription
at top reads, “The Annunciation of the Mother of God.” It is one of the 12
great feasts. The size and shape of this panel would suggest it was once
part of the “festival” tier of an iconostasis in a fairly good size
church.
his icon depicts the three female martyr saints, Paraskeva, Ekaterina
(Katherine) and Anastasiya. They each hold a cross symbolizing their
martyrdom. Above each figure is a highly stylized and condensed title. At
upper left the inscription identifies the figure below as Svataya
Muchenitsa Khristova Paraskeva Naritchenenaya Piatnitsa (The Holy Martyr
for Christ Paraskeva Who Is Called Piatnitsa). The central figure is
identified as Svataya Muchenitsa Khristova Ekaterina (The Holy Martyr for
Christ Katherine). And the inscription at top right identifies the figure
below it as Svataya Muchenitsa Khristova Anastasiya Uzoryeshitelnitsa (The
Holy Martyr for Christ Anastasiya Releaser from Fetters). This last title
is used for Anastasiya of Rome. She went about aiding and redeeming
captives, “releasing captives from fetters” (“Obleichenie uznikam ot uz”).
So, in a shortened version, she is called Uzoryeshitelnitsa, or “Releaser
from Fetters.” The icon is displayed next to its gilded silver repoussé
and chased decorative cover (riza). The riza displays the hallmark for
Moscow, and is dated 1796.