94. Imperial Icon on wood, "Mother of God with Child (Hodigitria)", painted frame, attributed to Nechita the Painter, mid 18th century, rare collection piece

The icon depicts the Virgin Mary represented in bust, holding baby Jesus on her left arm. Jesus holds a phylactery with his left hand, while blessing with the right. The Virgin wears a red maphorion, with a green pallium, and Jesus wears a red tunic. Around their heads, each has a halo decorated in relief with floral motifs. The background of the icon is silver, adorned with geometric motifs. (A.D.)

Dimensions

width 51.5 cm, height 81.5 cm

Description

tempera pe lemn

Research information

Nechita the painter was an icon and mural painter, active during the 1740–1775 period. His works are found equally in Bihor, in the lands of Huedin and Cluj, in the Transylvanian Plain, on the Someș River valley and in Sălaj. The painting created by the artist is marked by his strong personality, the icons and wall decor being easily recognized by many specific elements. His rich activity would have remained under the sign of anonymity, the painter having the habit of usually dating his works, but not signing them - according to some older traditions encountered throughout the Romanian Middle Ages and which have been preserved until the beginning of the 18th century.

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