This icon is a masterpiece of Russian painting. The tenderness of the composition is matched bythecompassionofthe figural style. Alas the painter appears to be influenced more by the great masters of the Italian Renaissancethanbythe traditional Byzantine predecessors. Except for the apparition of angels and the holy auras of light radiating from the central figures, this scene might appear to be a close moment shared by any ordinary familyastheywelcomeanaddition to their home. It is the warmth and intimacy of the family that makes this painting so stunning. Mary gently places her right hand upon the infant Christ’s belly as he places his arm over her wrist and gazes in awe upon his mother. Mother and father both share a knowing look towards each other as Joseph kneelsandprays,bothhishandsheldtogether over his heart. A divine light shines down upon the holy figures from above, rendered in gold leaf to achieve astunning effect of luminosity and brilliance as it highlights the folds of their drapery. Angels emergefromthepartedclouds,looking down in reverence at their newborn king. A larger, full figured angel also stands alongside Christ, holding his hands together in a pose echoing that of Joseph. The absolute mastery of the painter is evident in the loose brushstrokes of the foreground. The actual bristles of the paintbrush are evident as are the individual strokes that rendered the ground. Furthermore, blades of grass covered in shadows effectively recess the immediate foreground, a technique commonly employed in theatrical sets. This composition almost appears as if it was an act out of a greatplay.Thelighting,setting, and arrangement of figures all could easily be transferred to the stage. Thus the genius of the painter becomes more evident. Every detail of this icon coexists in perfect balance with each other that, when viewed as a whole, achieves complete and total harmony. Overall this icon is a true rarity, one of the few cases where subject, composition, and technique all complement each other and in effect work together to heighten the aesthetic and spiritual beauty of the painting. - (PF.5798)

Antiquities
Ancient Unknown