Rare Russian icon depicting the Kurskaja – Theotokos of Kursk (Kursk Root Icon of the Sign)
The icon of the Mother of God of Kursk belongs to the iconographic type known as Znamenie — meaning "of the Sign" — one of the principal categories of Marian iconography in the Orthodox tradition.
At the center, the Mother of God is depicted in the classical praying posture known as Orante. In front of her is a medallion showing Christ Emmanuel. This iconography illustrates the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14:
“Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.”
Surrounding the Virgin are the Lord Sabaoth and nine Old Testament prophets, arranged in a stylized, interwoven tree. This tree alludes to the miraculous discovery of the original icon at the root of a tree near Kursk — the reason for its Church Slavonic epithet Korennaya, meaning "of the root."
According to legend, the icon was found on September 8, 1259 by a hunter in a forest near Kursk, some 525 kilometers south of Moscow. As he lifted the icon from the ground, a spring of clear water emerged. A hermitage was later founded at the site, known as the “Black Hermitage of the Roots.” Pilgrims began to travel to this holy place, many claiming healing and consolation through the intercession of the Mother of God. Owing to its miraculous reputation, numerous copies of the icon were made — each believed to carry similar wonder-working power.
Russia, 18th century (outer border repainted in the 19th century)
Dimensions: 32.5 x 28.5 cm.
Price on request
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