Deësis

icoon077_vThis is originally a Byzantine composition, with Christ in judgement flanked by Mary and John the Baptist or forerunner. In the centre is Pantokrator, who will judge mankind at the end of time. Mary and John the Baptist mediate for a merciful judgement. John the Baptist as representative of the Old Testament and Maria as the representative of the New Testament.

Size: 27 x 35 cm

Christ, King of Kings

icoon076_vOn a magnificent throne, surrounded by the symbols of the four evangelists, sits Christ in the robes of a High Priest and a precious crown on his head as King of Kings, blessing the believers. The text on the open pages of the Book of the Gospel reads: ‘My kingdom is not of this world, take, eat, this is my body, drink, this is my blood that was shed for you, do this in remembrance of me’.

Size: 27 x 35 cm

Mother of God Glykophilousa (Vsysgranie)

icoon069_vThe Mother of God holds her head slightly bowed and has the Christ child on her right hand. The Jesus Child is looking at the Mother of God, has a closed scroll in his right hand and holds his Mother’s chin with the left hand.The depiction is often shown in reverse. The Greek word glykophilousa means ‘gently loving, sweetly kissing: ‘vsysgranie in Russian means ‘playing with the child’.

Size: 27 x 35 cm.

The Entry into Jerusalem

The Entry into JerusalemIn the centre of this icon, Christ is riding on a colt* to Jerusalem. The apostles, led by Peter, follow their Lord. In the foreground children are spreading clothes and branches on the ground. The branches are taken from the trees in the centre. To the right, the citizens of Jerusalem come to greet Christ. This is described in John 12:12-15, Matthew 21:1-11 and Luke 19:28-40. (*Matthew and John describe Jesus riding on an ass, Luke uses the word colt, which is a young horse)

Size: 41 x 30 cm (16.1 x 11.8 inches)

The Raising of Lazarus

The Raising of LazarusThe most impressive miracle done by Jesus in the presence of his disciples and followers was the raising of Lazarus, who had already been in his grave for three days. This event was celebrated by the earliest Christian communities as a prophecy of the resurrection of Christ himself. In spite of all the people in the icon, it emanates an atmosphere of serenity and one’s eye is drawn to Christ, pointing with his arm to Lazarus raised from the dead.

Size: 42 x 28 cm (16.5 x 11.0 inches)