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75-Russian Icon
The Mother of God
Circa 1900
Oil, gold leaf on wood panel
42" X 14"
James and Tatiana Jackson Collection

his icon repeats the fresco composition of the Mother of God located over the altar in the central apse in the Cathedral of Saint Vladimir, in Kiev, Ukraine. In the year 1891, at the age of 29, artist Victor Mikhail Nesterov (1862-1942) began his commission to decorate the newly built Cathedral dedicated to Saint Vladimir. His four-year effort was an immediate and overwhelming success. A deeply spiritual and humble artist, Nesterov’s iconographic images are imbued with a sense of spiritual yearning and pure Russian flavor. Regarding his work at the great Cathedral, Nesterov said, “I, as an Orthodox and devout believer, can only light a little candle to the glory of God. Perhaps it is not the finest wax, but it is offered from my inmost heart.” So popular were the images he painted there that soon copies, such as this example, were requested by the multitudes that visited the Cathedral.
 

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companion to the previous icon, #75, this too was inspired by Nesterov’s work in Kiev. Here Christ delivers a blessing and holds a book of Gospels open to Matthew 11:28, “Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”