Russian icon of the XIX century.

19th century Russian icon.
"Virgin and Child".
Painting on wood.
It presents faults in the polychromy. Xylophages.
Measurements: 40 x 28,5 x 1,5 cm.
This icon is far from the Russian aesthetics in that it does not have the golden background typical of this school, using instead velvety colours which are very close to other European styles. However, the painting retains the hieratic style that defined orthodox representations. It depicts the Mother of God half-length, with her head slightly bent, holding the Christ Child in her right arm. This is one of the most common depictions of the Mother of God and Jesus in Orthodox iconography. The Virgin is holding the royal orb, and the Child is on her hands as a symbol of her power over the world. The iconography of the Child of the Ball alludes to the universality of Christian doctrine, and consists of the representation of the Child Jesus with a sphere representing the universe, placed in his hand or under his feet. It is a Triumphant Child, Saviour of the World, and symbolises the idea of Jesus as man and saviour, lord of the whole Earth, which he redeems by his death and resurrection. It combines divine power and grace with the happy innocence and humble condition of God incarnate: the omnipotence of the Son, being a child with the orb in his hand, like a little boy with his ball.