Ancient Russian icon of the Crucifixion with scenes, 19th century, 12x10 inches

Ancient Russian icon of the Crucifixion with scenes, 19th century, 12.2x10.4 inches. This icon represents five different scenes: the Crucifixion in the centre, at the top, from left to right, the Beheading of Saint John and the Mother of God Joy of all who sorrow and, at the bottom, from left to right, the Unexpected Joy and the Feodorovskaya icon of the Mother of God.
The icon "Joy of all who sorrow" was glorified in 1688 by the miraculous healing of the patriarch Ioachim's sister. In the 18th century, this icon knows many variants, influenced by catholic elements. In the centre of the composition stands the Crowned Virgin, often depicted with her feet on the Moon, with the Crowned Infant Jesus in her hand.
The icon "Unexpected Joy" was developed in the 18th century in Russia, inspired by a story of Dimitrij, the Holy Bishop of Rostov. The story tells about a sinner who, despite his many crimes, never failed to repeate several time a day the angel Gabriel's greeting in front of an icon of the Mother of God. One day, while meditating on an evil sin, the man saw the image become alive and the wounds on the Infant's ribs open up. The man remained long in prayers, asking for the intercession of the Mother of God and, after kissing the wounds, he obtained forgiveness.
In the Feodorovskaja icon of the Mother of God, the Infant Jesus is depicted with his cheek pressed against his mother's. The Virgin symbolises the Church of Christ, because de icon represents all fullness of the love between God and the humankind. The Mother of God is thoughtful and holds on to her Son, already knowing the suffering he will endure.
This icon was painted by hand in Moscow in the 19th century.
Delivered in a blue velvet box with the evaluation of an expert.
Measures: 12.2x10.4 inches.