Tryptic of Mary

Russian cast brass tryptic (three part folding) icon. The main design is Mary holding the infant Christ, with floral scroll work at the sides, with a small image of "God the Father in the clouds" in the top arch.

The side panels each shows two scenes from the story of Mary, with a smaller image above. The left panel shows "Entrance into Jerusalem" over "Meeting in the Temple", with a Full-length figure of the Archangel Gabriel above.

The right panel shows "Descent into Hades" over "The Ascension", with a full length figure of the "Mother of God" above. The back is undecorated.

This is a type of icon that folds for ease of packing and carrying, and was probably used when traveling. When partially unfolded it will stand, and was probably placed beside ones' bed at night.

Slightly worn but still attractive, there is no trace of enamel, although this type would probably have been enameled with blue and white when new (it is fairly common to find these with no enamel remaining). It opens to 139 mm wide, 99.5 mm high and 3.3 mm thick. When closed it measures 75 mm wide. This type dates to the early 19th century.