Russian Icon depicting the Mother of God of Kazan, 19th century

Tempera on panel

Height x width x depth: 22.3 x 17.2 x 1.7 cm.

The icon depicts the renowned Mother of God of Kazan (Kazanskaja), one of the most venerated and replicated Marian images in Russian Orthodoxy, traditionally considered the protector of the nation and the family. Typologically, this iconography stands out as a unique variant of the Hodegetria type (she who shows the way), but condensed into a close-up and essential crop: the Virgin is portrayed not half-length, but rather "chest-length" (shorter compared to other variants), focusing all spiritual tension on the face. The composition shows the Virgin with her head tenderly inclined toward the Infant Jesus, a gesture that softens traditional Byzantine severity. Christ is depicted standing and strictly frontal, with his right hand raised in a gesture of blessing and his left hidden by the sacred vestments covered by the metal sheet. Unlike other Marian icons, the Child is painted erect here, full-length down to the knees, appearing almost suspended in front of his Mother, while Mary's hands remain entirely concealed beneath her garments, leaving the Son as the sole visible center of the salvific action.