Russia, Imperial. A Four Panel Icon of the Mother of God

A unique and well-preserved multi-panel icon featuring four depictions of the Mother of God. Presented on a gessoed wooden board, the images consist of hand-painted faces of Mary and Christ, with hands and feet also visible, taking the form of icons with notables devotions in Russia, including the Mother of God of Vladimir, Mother of God of Kazan, the Virgin of the Sweet Kiss, and the Virgin of Sorrows. Riveted to the board is a gilded riza featuring the robes and halos of both Christ and Mary executed in detail. The four icons are situated within borders consisting of arabesque latticework. The reverse of the wooden panel is inset with a channel at the midway point, extending from the left edge (when viewed from the obverse) approximately three quarters of the way across the panel for display on an icon stand. A period suspension loop is riveted into the top edge. Unmarked, it measures approximately 17 cm (w) x 22 cm (h). Issues consistent with age and display are evident, and include minor scratching of the paints, some loss of gilt finish to the riza, and minor cracking of the wooden base. It remains in a near extremely fine condition.