Icon; 18th century.

Icon; 18th century.
“Mother of God, Joy of the Afflicted.”
Painting and gilding on wood panel.
Measurements: 53.5 x 43 x 2 cm.
This icon depicts the Mother of God as “Joy of All Who Sorrow” (Всех скорбящих Радость), one of the Marian titles deeply rooted in the Russian Orthodox tradition. Its iconography is linked to the idea of the Virgin as intercessor and protector of those suffering from illness, poverty, suffering, or any form of adversity.
The composition centers on the figure of the Virgin with the Child, surrounded by angels and various figures representing the afflicted and the needy. Surrounding her is a series of small scenes and intercessions, accompanied by inscriptions in Cyrillic that identify the various episodes and reinforce the image’s devotional significance. The multitude of figures and scenes transforms the panel into a true visual narrative of the aid and protection offered by the Mother of God.
Formally, the work follows the tradition of 18th-century Russian iconography, featuring stylized figures, a frontal and hierarchical composition, gilded backgrounds, and a palette of deep tones. The gilding, characteristic of Orthodox iconography, serves not only an ornamental function but also alludes to heavenly light and the transcendent dimension of the representation.