5. The Dormition

Click on picture to see a bigger version (file size ca. 3,5 MB)

Circa 1900 y.
Workshop of Old Believers of Baltic.
Wood, lewkas, tempera.
Size: 35,7x31x2,5 cm.


High quality, school painting. Classical example of the traditions of the Russian iconography. In very good condition.

The Dormition depicts the death or “Falling Asleep” of Mary. Tradition related that when her death grew near, angels brought the apostles from different parts of the world to be present at her side. Christ stands behind his mother in an aureole surrounded by different ranks of angels. Christ receives his mother’s soul, represented as an infant. The Apostles stand around her. A fanatical Jewish priest (sometimes named Iefoniya or Athonios) stands before the bier on which Mary lies. Attempting to push it over, he has his hands cut off by a sword-wielding angel (he was later repented and healed). In the circle at upper center is Mary enthroned and ascending heavenward, this element is not part of early iconography.

This icon has collection level.

Price: 2500 Euro

Copyright © trueicons.com