also known as Our Lady of the Way, the figure of Mother Mary gently directs our attention to the Christ Child as the source of salvation for mankind, Jesus looks directly at the viewer, with a scroll in one hand and with the other formed in a gesture of blessing. Egg tempera, gold leaf and gesso on wood panel with kovcheg. Two shallow insert splints on the back, both missing, two smaller insert splints on the back. 107.5 x 86 cm (42 1/8 x 33 7/8 in.)

Bernard J. Winters was a philanthropist and art collector who was captivated by Russian icons. Over a fifty-year period, he worked closely with Sotheby`s, Christie`s, and private collectors to cultivate his collection. His monumental icons, as well as those purchased from Natalie Hays Hammond, daughter of John Hays Hammond, diplomat, were some of his favored items.

PROVENANCE
Sotheby`s, New York, June 10-11, 1981, lot 540, (cover lot)
Collection of Bernard Winters, Armonk, New York (acquired at the above auction)