Balkan or Greek icon, 18th century

Balkan or Greek icon from the 18th century.
"Virgin of the Sorrows".
Enamel on copper plate. Metal frame.
Size: 7 x 5.8 cm (plate); 7.5 x 6.3 cm (frame).
The Virgin occupies the central place in this icon which, due to its colours and the alphabet used, could well be Balkan or Greek. The Virgin is flanked on either side by saints and archangels arranged in perfect symmetry. We recognise St John the Baptist to the right of the Virgin. Several legends accompany the scene. The hieratic nature of the figures, the stylised drawing that outlines each character and the intense chromaticism of the Marian mantle are elements that remain faithful to the tradition of orthodox icons.