8. The Birth of the Mother of God

Details

Russian, late 18th century
38 x 32.8 cms

Provenance:
Collection Dr. Cz. Kozlowski, Germany.
Private collection, Germany.

Description:
In a well-balanced composition the icon combines different themes of the Birth of the Mother of God, celebrated in the Orthodox Church on September 8.

In the lower left corner, we see the birth of the Mother of God. Mother Anna lies on a bed and servants bring her food and drink.

In front of the nativity, preparations for the ritual first washing of the new-born child are taking place. A servant prepares the bath, pouring in water. Mary sits on the lap of a midwife, who checks the temperature of the bath water with her hand.

Above this scene we see the Caressing of the Mother of God: Joachim and Anna are holding their new-born daughter.

The upper left and right corner of the icon shows the previous history of the Nativity. Joachim and Anna were childless. Because of this Joachim was forbidden by the high priest to offer the first sacrifice in the temple. Humiliated and sad, Joachim retired to the desert where he prayed to God to take away his disgrace (upper left). Unbeknown to him, Anna in a garden also prayed to God that she might conceive (upper right). Their prayers were answered. An angel appeared to both and announced that Anna would bear a child.

In the lower right corner Joachim and Anna meet at the Golden Gate, symbolizing the conception of Mary.