Lot 587 at our December 3rd, 2017 sale is a wonderful Russian icon. Our super intern Julia took a keen interest in it and put together a detailed and fascinating description of this particular type of icon.

"The Mother of God, Joy to All Who Sorrow, is a multi-compositional image which takes its title from a miracle-working icon known by that name that came from a twelfth-century hospital in Kiev. The icon shows the Blessed Mother of God standing amongst the beautiful flowers of paradise; she is heaven’s most lovely bloom. Above her, in a pink floss of cloud is her son, the King of heaven and earth. On either side of the icon, framing the Virgin, are supplicants- us- pleading for her intercession. In her charming face and smile, it is possible to detect her kindness and tenderness. She stands with graceful demeanour, open-armed and with tilted head, ready to receive our prayers. She will bring us joy in our sorrow." Julia, the Super Intern.