Russian four-part icon with a metal riza, depicting the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow," Saint Nicholas of Myra, and interceding saints., 19th century

Egg tempera and riza

Height x width: 31 x 27 cm

The riza (metal cover)—masterfully crafted using repoussé, chasing, and engraving techniques—rigidly defines the visual architecture of the icon panel, dividing it into four symmetrical compartments of extraordinary richness. In the upper-left quadrant, the poignant iconography of the Mother of God, "Joy of All Who Sorrow" (Vseh Skorbjaščih Radost'), unfolds; the Virgin stands as a full-length figure, surrounded by pyramidal tiers of suffering faithful and consoling angels bearing scrolls inscribed with prayers. The upper-right quadrant features the imposing, hieratic, half-length figure of Saint Nicholas of Myra (Nikola Čudotvorec). He is depicted in sumptuous episcopal vestments—finely worked in repoussé with sacred geometric motifs—holding an open Book of the Gospels, which displays text in Old Church Slavonic, exquisitely executed with a burin. Above, small clipei (medallions) depict the Miracle at Nicaea, featuring Christ and the Virgin. The lower register is entirely occupied by a dense assembly of seven full-length patron saints and family protectors—chosen by the patrons—neatly divided into two sections: on the left stands the Guardian Angel (Angel Chranitel'), holding a processional cross and flanked by two martyred saints; on the right, four intercessory saints are arranged on a single plane, including an ascetic monk in monastic habit and a warrior saint in a military cloak. Beneath this precious silver covering, the refined painting of the faces and hands remains visible through specially designed openings (podolozhnik). The flesh tones exhibit the characteristic, saturated brownish hues (sankir) of the ancient canon, enriched by a noble, deep, aged patina resulting from the natural historical oxidation of the original protective varnishes (olifa). The entire composition is solemnly enclosed within a wide, substantial silver border—embossed to create a relief effect—featuring a dense, rope-like frame and polished, satin-finished foliate scrolls that accentuate the piece’s three-dimensional splendor.