Lot 54

THE ICON OF MARIA'S NATIVITY

The birth of Theokotos - Mary, belongs to the classic academic scenes that appear on Russian icons. The motif is mistaken for the birth of the Lord, but it is the setting of the scene that reveals what scene it really is. The birth of Mary is described in the Protoevangelium of James. While Jesus' birth takes place in the wilderness and in the cave, Mary was born into a wealthy family in the palace chambers. The silver icon is framed with wrought floral decoration, halos and corner panels are decorated with cloisonné enamel. Hallmark of purity 84 zolotnik.