a variant of Mother of God Eleousa (Virgin of Tenderness or "Umilenie") - the Playful Child, representing one of the copies of the ancient wonderworking icon of the Mother of God from Cyprus that had been located in a monastery on Mount Kykkos; the Child Christ depicted in Mother Mary`s arms, with his swinging legs turned to one side and the body and the head to the other; shown holding an unfolded scroll inscribed with a quotation from Isaiah`s prophesy  The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me in Old Slavonic. Egg tempera, gold leaf and gesso on wood panel with double kovcheg. Two insert splints on the back, both missing. 31.7 x 28 cm (12 1/2 x 11 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
William Doyle Galleries, New York.
Collection of Bernard Winters, Armonk, New York