Icon - Deesis

tempera, board, chalk and gypsum underlay, silvered nimby; two sponges on back. 41 x 33.7 x 2.5 cm.
Russia, 19th century.
Solid brown border, framed by a dark and red band;
The Deesis motif is taken from the iconostasis, where it is the most prominent representation. Deesis in Greek means intercession, intercessory prayer. In the center on a throne is the figure of Christ Pantocrator in a cross nimbus (an iconographic attribute vested only in the Savior, recalling His death on the cross), blessing with His right hand, holding an open Book in His left. On His right - Mary Paraklesis in the pose of the intercessor, while on His left - Saint John the Baptist Prodromos. Behind the Throne are the Saints; Peter, Paul, John and Nicholas of Myra. Below the Throne in prostration Saints Zosima and Savatyj. Above the Savior in the clouds God the Father in white robes with spread hands, below the Holy Spirit in the form of a Dove, on the sides six Archangels.