Large rare Russian icon depicting the Holy Face on 'Vernicle', the cloth in which St. Veronica wiped the face of Jesus. North Russian School, 18th century. Beautifully handmade in the old orthodoxy style, before Peter I religious reform. Painted egg tempera and gold leaf, on gesso wood panel. It was believed that icons acted as intermediaries between worshipers and the holy personages they depicted. Their pictorial language is stylized and primarily symbolic, rather than literal and narrative. Indeed, every attitude, pose, and color depicted in an icon has a precise meaning, and their painters followed prescribed models from iconographic manuals.Excellent condition, commensurate with age.Size: 21 x 17 1/2 in. Please note that all sales are final. No refunds will be given under any circumstances.