Russian icon with a sumptuous gilt-metal riza, depicting the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow", 19th century

Egg tempera on panel

Height x width: 44.5 x 35.5 cm

The sumptuous metallic dress, finely worked with embossing, chisel and punch, dominates the entire composition, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the figures and drapery. In the exact centre, within a large radiant elliptical mandorla with thick embossed rays that simulate divine light, the Mother of God stands out full-figure. The Virgin wears a regal crown embossed like a daylight and holds the Divine Infant Emmanuel on her left arm, while the drapery of her maphorion and robe is covered by a meticulous floral and geometric decoration, shiny and satin-finished. At the sides and feet of the Virgin unfold the pyramidal ranks of the afflicted, the sick and the needy divided into the traditional six narrative groups; each grouping is guided and protected by winged angelic figures who lean out from the sides bringing comfort. In the upper portion, floating among embossed clouds and elegant angels in adoring flight, are the half-length figures of the holy intercessors and, in the exact center above the Marian crown, the clipeated representation of God the Blessing Father (the Lord Sabaoth). In the lower section, set between ornamental scroll motifs, two majestic kneeling angels hold up an elaborate rococo shield cartouche, finely engraved with a burin with calligraphic characters in ancient ecclesiastical Slavonic which show the liturgical and dedicatory text of the prayer. Beneath the golden covering emerge, through the special perimeter slots (podolozhnik), the painted faces characterized by dark complexions and satori (sankir), intensely imbued with a deep period patina due to the natural oxidation of the ancient protective varnishes (olifa). The entire composition is solemnly enclosed by a large and thick perimeter border embossed in relief with a dense baroque motif of plant shoots and large acanthus spirals.