Bidspirit auction | 19th Century Russian Icon of

19th Century Russian Icon of the ” Sign” -  On a curved wood panel, the Our Lady of the Sign icon is one of the most beloved and revered holy images and dates back to the 12th century, the time when Russia experienced many internecine wars. In 1170, the army led by Andrei Bogolyubsky, Grand Prince of Vladimir-Suzdal, attacked Veliky Novgorod. During the attack, the faithful citizens took out the holy icon of the Blessed Mother and put it on the walls surrounding the city. When the enemy’s arrow struck the venerated image, the tears began to flow from the eyes of the Mother of God. It was the sign that the Virgin Mary was praying along with people for the protection of Veliky Novgorod. The Orthodox Church established the custom of celebrating the Our Lady of the Sign icon on December 10. This story has also become a popular subject in Russian icon art.  12 x 14 inches   Please refer to images for the best determination of the condition.