click to view larger image
 

26-Russian Icon
Angel of the Lord
Circa 1800
Egg Tempera, silver leaf on wood panel, 49" x 24"
James and Tatiana Jackson Collection


his icon is a fine example of the type usually positioned above the main doors leading into and out of the worship area of an Orthodox church. It was meant to be viewed while exiting. The angel is to remind the viewer that God is always watching you and his retribution is fierce for those who do not follow the commandments. Dressed as a soldier wielding a sword, he holds a scroll which begins, “O Great Merciful God, do not descend from heaven like fire and do not burn those who…” This icon would have been displayed opposite a companion icon depicting an angel of the Lord most likely recording the names of all the pious who regularly attend church services, upon a long unrolled scroll.
 

click to view larger image

27-Russian Icon
The Tenderness Mother of God
Circa 1800
Egg tempera, gold leaf on wood panel., 12" x 10.5"
James and Tatiana Jackson Collection


n this unidentified Mother of God type, the title “Tenderness” (Russian - Umilinie) is used. The Tenderness title is a generic term used to describe icons that depict Mother and child in a “tender” cheek-to-check embrace. While most icons of the Mother of God are inscribed with a specific title, this one is not. The image is overlaid with a repoussé and chased gilded silver riza. The riza displays the hallmark for Moscow, is dated 1818 and displays the Cyrillic makers mark I.F., probably for Ivan Fedorov, a silversmith active in Moscow from 1801 to 1821.