Orthodox icon | Mother of God of the Burning Bush | Silver basma | 24768

The depiction of the not burning bush is considered to be the epitome of the virgin Mother of God: captured by divine fire, she nevertheless remained unharmed. Since the 16th century the very complex depiction in Russia unfolds as an epitome of piety regarding Mary: The Mother of God with Emmanuel is inserted in an eight-pointed star formed by two diamonds lying one on top of the other. This star in turn lies on a rosette. In the lower star are the four evangelist symbols, in the rosette and in the upper points are angels with attributes that are derived from the Akathistos hymn. In popular belief, this icon was revered as an aid against lightning and fire, and therefore as protection of the house or apartment.

Around the symbols of the four evangelists: angel, eagle, lion and bull, their origin in the biblical visions of Ezekiel (Old Testament) and John (New Testament). In the Revelation of John of the opened heaven (Rev 4:1-11) the evangelist saw the throne of the Almighty surrounded by four mysterious creatures, each with six wings. This pictorial idea was implemented for the first time in Roman mosaics. The final assignment of the symbols to the evangelists, which is common today, goes back to the church father Jerome in the 4th century. back: the lion stands for Mark, the bull for Luke, the eagle for John and the man (angel) for Matthew. Jerome also established the chronological order of the Gospels in the New Testament.

Text on Silver-Basma: Moses in front of the burning bush, Ezekiel in front of the closed temple gate, Seraf cleaning Isaiah’s lips and Jacob’s ladder.

Center of icon presumably older than the rest.

Silver basma. Silver Halo. Hallmarked: Moscow 1837, AP and N.D (unknown masters)