Description
Hand-Painted Russian Orthodox Icon The TIKHVIN MOTHER Of GOD, painted in Romania, by Orthodox iconographer Alexandra
Materials: Natural Pigments, a Lime-tree Wood Board, 24K Gold Leaf, Varnish
Size of the Icon: A4 11.4×8.2 inches/ 29 x 21 cm, Thickness 1 inch/ 2.5 cm.
Technique: Egg Tempera technique, Hand ...Painted
HERE ARE FIVE UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE TIKHVIN ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD:
ORIGIN: The Tikhvin Mother of God is believed to be one of the oldest icons of the Virgin Mary, dating back to the 14th century. According to tradition, it was discovered in 1383 in the town of Tikhvin in northwestern Russia.
PROTECTIVE POWER: The icon is highly revered for its miraculous powers and is believed to have protected the town of Tikhvin from invaders during times of war.
ICONOGRAPHY: The image depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child in her arms, with the figures rendered in a traditional Byzantine style. However, the Tikhvin Mother of God is unique in that the Virgin Mary’s features are more rounded and softer than in other icons of this type.
LOST AND FOUND: The original icon was lost during World War II, but a replica was made and is now housed in the Tikhvin Monastery in Russia. The replica is believed to have the same miraculous powers as the original.
CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Tikhvin Mother of God is an important symbol of Russian national identity, representing the country’s religious and cultural heritage. She is also a source of inspiration and devotion for Orthodox Christians around the world who seek her intercession and protection in their daily lives.
History of the Icon
The Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God is one of the oldest and most revered icons of the Virgin Mary in the Russian Orthodox Church. According to tradition, the icon was discovered in 1383 in the town of Tikhvin in northwestern Russia. The icon depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child in her arms and is considered a masterpiece of Byzantine iconography.
The history of the icon is shrouded in mystery and legend. According to one story, the icon was discovered by a peasant named Euphrosyne, who was visited in a dream by the Virgin Mary, who told her where to find the icon in the woods outside Tikhvin. Another legend tells of the miraculous appearance of the icon to a group of fishermen, who then brought it to the town church.
Throughout its history, the icon has been credited with numerous miracles and healings, and is believed to have protected the town of Tikhvin from invaders during times of war. During the Livonian War in the 16th century, for example, the icon is said to have appeared to the Russian army and inspired them to victory.
Over the centuries, the icon underwent many trials and tribulations. It was stolen by Polish invaders in the 17th century, but was eventually returned to the Tikhvin Monastery. During World War II, the icon was lost when the Germans invaded the region, but it was later found and returned to Russia.
The miraculous properties of the Tikhvin Icon are celebrated to this day. It is believed to have healing powers, and pilgrims from all over the world come to the Tikhvin Monastery to pray before the icon and ask for its intercession.
In addition to its religious significance, the Tikhvin Icon has also played an important role in Russian culture and history. It has been the subject of many works of art, including paintings, sculptures and mosaics, and has been depicted on stamps and coins. It is also a symbol of Russian national identity, representing the country’s religious and cultural heritage.
Today, the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God is considered one of the greatest treasures of the Russian Orthodox Church and a testament to the enduring power of faith and devotion.
Technical details:
– Icon painted by Romanian Orthodox iconographer Alexandra;
– Excellent quality hand-painted icon;
– Natural pigments;
– 24K gold plated and varnished;
– Icon painted on lime wood panel.Need more information?
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me, I will be happy to answer them.
