Large Icon Of The Mother Of God Of Iveron, Russia 18th / Virgin Mary Iveria Old Believers

Large and sumptuous Russian icon of the Mother of God of Iveron -- also called Virgin of Iveria -- and dating from the second half of the 18th century -- circa1750/1780.
Its style allows it to be attributed to the famous iconographic school of Vetka of the Old Believers. In the 17th century, the Old Believers opposed the patriarchs and tsars of Russia aiming to reform, standardize and modernize the traditional Orthodox Church. Until the end of the empire, they were persecuted and often exiled. The school of Vetka takes its name from the village of Vetka -- today located in Belarus -- which was founded by the Old Believers around 1782 following their persecutions and their forced exile.
This splendid icon is finely painted on gold with tempera (paint based on egg yolk and natural pigments). The chromatic range is rich and warm with dominance of red, blue and green.
The background, the borders and the hallows are entirely and sumptuously gilded with gold leaf, bringing an exceptional light to the entire composition.
According to Orthodox iconographic canons, the Virgin of Iveron is of the "hodigitria" type, meaning in Greek "the one who guides". She is traditionally represented in bust, her head slightly inclined and tenderly carrying the Christ child on her left. With her right hand she points towards the little Jesus blessing, thus symbolically indicating the path to follow by humanity.
This representation of the Mother of God takes its name from the monastery of Iveron located in the Monastic Republic of Mount Athos in Greece.
The icon is in a very good general state of conservation including the wooden panel with a superb patine. Some wear, cracks, splits, small losses and restorations consistent with its age.
This collector's item is sold with its certificate of authenticity and a complete description of the work.
Dimensions: L 40.5 cm by H 34.5 cm