The Vladimirskaya Mother of God, Moscow, PROBABLY 16TH CENTURY WITH LATER restoration

the icon with a later added silver-gilt oklad applied with polychrome cloisonné enamel halos, 17th century, the Mother of God carries the Christ Child on her right arm, with her left hand she gestures towards her Son, the Christ Child presses his cheek against his Mother´s and gazes at her

Ex Cat Herbstaustellung 1977, Ilas Neufert Gallery, Munich, No. 6 (illustrated on cover)

The faces, hands and mantle of the Mother of God have been restored, probably in the 19th century. The silver-gilt oklad and the halo might be from another icon and at least certainly have been added at a later date. We would advise prospective buyers to view.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Mary does not respond to Christ's gaze but looks past Him at the viewer. The icon emphasizes the human aspect of Christ and the focal point is the intimate tie with his mother, against whom he is nestling.

The icon has been painted in a highly refined style, reminiscent of Moscow painting in the 16^th century. In this period the Moscow Kremlin workshops were an important centre for the production of small icons made for private devotion. These delicate painted panels were often influenced by miniature painting and covered with precious oklads. Our icon has been restored and was partly overpainted at a later period. It is therefore difficult to date the icon precisely.