Icon Of The Holy Face, Moscow 19th / Christ / Mandylion / Orthodox Russia

Superb icon representing the Holy Face of Christ, iconographic subject also known as the "Mandylion" or "image of Edessa".
It dates from the second half of the 19th century -- around 1880.
Its style and great delicacy allow it to be attributed to one of the best iconographic workshops of the famous Moscow school. A center of art and spirituality, it is there that some of the greatest iconographers of their time worked. Their works enriched the collections of the imperial court of the Romanovs, the great aristocracy and the high clergy. They are today preserved in many museums throughout the world.
This icon is traditionally painted in tempera (egg yolk-based paint) in warm tones.
The halo of Christ and the background of the icon are richly chiseled and gilded with gold leaf.
The border is also decorated with polychrome geometric patterns in imitation of cloisonné enamels, very fashionable at that time.
The noble face of Jesus invites contemplation and prayer.
Two angels surmount the composition and hold the miraculous cloth representing the face of Christ.
The icon of the Holy Face finds, according to tradition, its origin in the miraculous healing of King Abgar of Edessa. The latter, suffering from an incurable illness, was cured after receiving a cloth on which Jesus had - during his lifetime - printed the features of his face.
This image "not painted by human hands" is considered by the Orthodox Church to be the very first representation of Christ.
Our icon is in a very good state of original conservation. It presents small wear of time, cracks and minor restoration.
A splendid collector's item, this work is sold with its certificate of authenticity and a complete description.
Dimensions: 31 cm by 27 cm.