Softener Of Evil Hearts Appraisal

Antique Russian Orthodox Icon of the Seven-Arrow Mother of God / Softener of Evil Hearts

This item is an antique Russian Orthodox icon, likely depicting the 'Seven-Arrow Mother of God' or 'Softener of Evil Hearts.' The central figure is the Virgin Mary, dressed in a deep teal or blue-green mantle over a red undergarment, holding the Christ Child who clutches a small lamb. She possesses a halo and appears to be standing on a cloud. Above her are inscriptions in what appears to be Old Church Slavonic or Russian, indicating the icon's title. To her right and left, slightly below, are two winged angels, attired in flowing robes of peach/pink and light green respectively. Below these central figures, two distinct scenes are depicted. On the left, an older male figure, possibly St. Joseph or a prophet, stands observing a woman in a light green dress and beige head covering, holding an infant. On the right, another woman, draped in red and deep green, is depicted in a sorrowful or contemplative pose, cradling or mourning an older child or adolescent figure. The background has a golden-brown hue, suggesting a spiritual or ethereal setting, possibly with faint indications of landscape elements on the lower half. The painting exhibits characteristics of traditional iconographic styles, with stylized figures and rich symbolism. Visible condition issues include significant craquelure across the entire painted surface, indicative of age and material shrinkage. There are also areas of paint loss, particularly on the lower half and edges, and general surface grime or discoloration, which contribute to a darkened patina. The icon is housed in a substantial, ornate gilded wooden frame with intricate, carved floral and foliate motifs. The frame itself shows signs of wear, including chipping, abrasions, and loss of gilding, particularly at the corners and along the edges, revealing the darker wood beneath. The craftsmanship of the frame is robust, suggesting it was original to the icon or of a similar period. The overall appearance suggests an 18th or 19th-century origin, consistent with the style of Russian religious art.