Measures 38.5cm x 43.5cm (17 ½" x 15 ¼"), weighs 5 lbs. Wood, pigment paints, matte lacquer. The icon of Our Lady of Unexpected Joy is very popular in Russian Orthodox Christianity. This icon often was a part of a domestic iconostasis because of its healing power. It was inspired by an ancient Russian instructive narrative about a sinner who experienced the joy of healing while repenting before an icon of the mother of God. The icon portrays a young man on his knees, praying before the Theotokos (Mother of God) and cleansing his soul through penitence. Above him is a depi

Measures 38.5cm x 43.5cm (17 ½" x 15 ¼"), weighs 5 lbs. Wood, pigment paints, matte lacquer. The icon of Our Lady of Unexpected Joy is very popular in Russian Orthodox Christianity. This icon often was a part of a domestic iconostasis because of its healing power. It was inspired by an ancient Russian instructive narrative about a sinner who experienced the joy of healing while repenting before an icon of the mother of God. The icon portrays a young man on his knees, praying before the Theotokos (Mother of God) and cleansing his soul through penitence. Above him is a depiction of his ideal of repentance, a kneeling figure resembling Jesus washing his disciple's feet. The borders feature portraits of saints and church fathers who preached the necessity of penitence and explained the interconnection between chastity and physical health. The inscription reads, "The cup of suffering becomes the cup of joy. Turns out that it is the same cup," with references to Jesus' prayer at the Garden of Gethsemane and the Transfiguration on the Mountain of Tabor. The delicate depiction of facial features, intricate attention to decorative details characteristic of XVIII C. iconography makes this icon especially attractive.

Although the wooden foundation is a little warped, the icon remains in very good condition, with bright colors and legible inscriptions. Attractive craquelure to the lacquer adds character and a sense of authentic antiquity. There is some very minor woodworm damage to the reverse but we can rest assured that those woodworms are long gone. The upper horizontal wooden band in the back is missing, which possibly explains the slightly more pronounced warp of the board on top compared to the bottom. However, in properly maintained environment (temperature, humidity, exposure to light) this icon should remain unchanged for a very long time.

Overall, this icon is an excellent example of 18th-century Orthodox iconography and will make a joyful and long-lasting addition to a collection of Russian icons.

Please note that the pen in our photos is for size reference.
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