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Bogoliubskaya Mother of God, The

Painting
Tempera on slightly curved wooden panel with gold leaf border in geometric designs with mint green, navy blue, red, and cream colors. At the top is an image of Christ in the clouds holding a gospel and gesturing with a blessing. Below him on the left, Mary stands in gold garments holding a scroll. An angel with a red cloak and sword, a bearded man in church robes, and a king with a tri point crown, orb, scepter, and ermine trimmed gold cloak listen face her. The figures are on a red background decorated with gold leaf floral designs. On the back is a black Cyrillic caption that states this image was a gift to priest Alexiy Ivanovitch in 1889.

2005.02.068

Panel

Tempera

Betsy Scheuring Icon Collection

2005.02

Betsy Scheuring

Gift

Gift of Betsy Scheuring

1875 - 1889

Central Russia

Icon

Symbol, Religious

Religious Objects

Ceremonial Objects

Category 08: Communication Objects

12-1/4 in

10-1/2 in

1-1/4 in

Spirit Made Tangible: The Scheuring Icon Collection (2006)

Cultural/Historical Context

This Mother of God type refers to her appearance to the Grand Prince Andrey Bogoliubsky in 1157. (see 2005.02.028) In this version, the Virgin stands before the Archangel Michael, St. Alexy Metropolitan of Moscow, and St. Alexander Nevsky. The detailed, tangible drapery of the three saints contrasts with the more” linear drapery of the Mother of God, indicating that she appears to them in a vision. Both the Virgin Mary and the Archangel are standing on fluffy clouds, but Mary is larger in scale. She is looking up at Christ, shown in a semicircle of clouds. The border contains a complex geometric design with an arch at the top.

Bogoliubskaya Mother of God, The picture number 1