Product Overview
This exceptional antique Russian triptych consists of three matching icons intended to be displayed together in the traditional arrangement of an Orthodox iconostasis. The Mother of God Angiosoritissa (Intercessor) occupies the place of honor to the left, Christ Our Savior in Powers forms the central image, and Saint John the Baptist appears to the right.
The left panel depicts the Mother of God without the Christ Child. She holds a scroll containing a prayer of intercession on behalf of mankind, asking that all who come before God be received. This iconographic type emphasizes the Theotokos in her role as advocate and intercessor.
At the center, Christ raises His right hand in blessing and holds an open Gospel. The inscription conveys the comforting invitation: “Come unto Me and I shall comfort you.” As the principal panel of the composition, this image would traditionally have occupied the central position within the iconostasis.
The right panel portrays Saint John the Baptist, the ascetic prophet and Forerunner of Christ. He holds a bowl containing a symbolic image of Christ and a scroll beginning with the words: “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.” The composition refers to Saint John’s proclamation of Christ and his baptism of Him in the River Jordan.
All three icons were painted by the same hand in the traditional Russian manner, using egg tempera pigments on gesso over wooden panels. The gold-leaf backgrounds remain intact. Each panel is slightly curved and features a recessed central field, or kovcheg, with supporting slats at the top and bottom.
The construction of the wooden panels suggests that they were made prior to 1750, while the paintings themselves appear to date from the 19th century. The reuse of older icon panels was not uncommon in Russia. The set displays minor wear and aging consistent with its history. The lower-left corner of the Mother of God panel has some damage that does not affect the painted image.
These three icons have remained together as a unified devotional ensemble and present a rare opportunity to acquire a complete, stylistically consistent Russian Orthodox triptych.
Origin: Russia
Date: 19th-century paintings on pre-1750 wooden panels
Medium: Egg tempera and gold leaf on gesso over wood
Dimensions: Approximately 14.25 × 17.35 inches each
Condition: Very good antique condition with minor wear, aging, surface marks, and localized panel damage consistent with age
Sold as: A complete set of three icons
