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20-Russian Icon
The Smolensk Mother of God
18th century
Egg tempera on wood panel, 14" x 12"
James and Tatiana Jackson Collection


he Smolensk Odigitria is attributed to the Apostle Saint Luke. It was said to have come from Byzantium to Chernigov when the Greek Princess Anna wed Vsevolod of Chernigov in the year 1046. Prince Vladimir Monamakh gave it to the Holy Dormition Catholicon in the city of Smolensk where it was enshrined and from that time the shrine was also called Smolensk. In 1308 the icon was taken to Moscow and then returned to Smolensk in 1456. The original Smolensk icon was appealed to for success during the Battle of Borodino against Napoleon in 1812. The icon is overlaid with a gilded copper riza and contained in a much later (circa 1890’s) hand carved kiot executed in the Pan Slavic style. The Smolensk icon is one of the most famous of the national “miracle-working” icons. It is celebrated on July 28th.
 

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21-Russian Icon
Removal From The Cross
18th century
Tempera on wood panel, 12.25" x 9"
James and Tatiana Jackson Collection


he “Removal From the Cross” depicts Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus taking the body of Christ down from the cross, while The Mother of God (Mary) and other women look on. This beautifully executed painting is an exact copy of one produced by Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640). His painting, titled “Descent from the Cross” was executed for the Antwerp Cathedral between 1610 and 1611. Were it not for the Slavonic inscription at the top of this icon, it would be difficult to ascribe it to the Russian school. Increased numbers of Russians traveling abroad, along with the influx of foreign travelers, brought illustrated bibles and prints into a formerly isolated Russia. Subsequently Western art became popular quickly. One could speculate that this icon was commissioned by a wealthy patron who had seen the original while traveling in Western Europe.