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Vsem Skorbyaschim Radost

Russian
Late 19th century
31.5 x 25.7 cmClick here to convert metric size to imperial
Private collection, England

Crowned as Queen of Heaven, Mary stands in the centre with Christ on her left arm. In the corners above are the sun and moon; below her feet are clouds signifying her status as a non-earthly being. Around her is an almond-shaped aureole (mandorla) of Glory. Above, in miniature, we see God as the ‘Ancient of Days’. Her gaze is directed at groups of suffering humans on either side of her with angels among them. Below is a plaque that represents the petitions of the people: "O most Holy Lady, Mistress, Mother of God, higher than all angels and archangels, and more honourable than all creatures; you are the help of the injured, hope of the weak, intercessor of the poor, consolation of the sorrowing, feeder of the hungry, clother of the naked, healer of the sick, salvation of sinners and defence of all Christians!" The prototype first appeared in the Church of the Transfiguration in Moscow in 1643. The feast day is celebrated on October 24th.