19th century Russian icon

19th century Russian icon.
"Presentation of Mary".
Oklad of silver-plated brass.
Wooden frame with felt or green cloth.
It presents marks of use and wear. Needs restoration.
Measurements: 46 x 33 cm; 62 x 50 cm (frame).

According to the promise made by her parents, Mary was taken to the Temple when she was three years old, accompanied by a great number of Hebrew girls carrying lighted torches and amidst the singing of angels. To go up to the Temple there were fifteen steps, which Mary ran up alone, despite her young age, throwing herself into the arms of Zechariah, who was waiting for her in the courtyard in the company of other Elders. Zechariah blessed her, with words that alluded to her future divine maternity and, something unheard of, made the child enter the sancta sanctorum, where only the High Priest could enter once a year, on the day of the feast of the Atonement. He seated the child on the third step of the altar and God then descended his graces upon her, after which Mary got up and began to dance for joy.