Mother of God with the Swords. “Softening of Evil Hearts”
Iconography: Softening of evil hearts , Helena Equal-to-the Apostles, St., Gurias of Edessa, the Martyr, Samonas of Edessa, the Martyr, Aviv of Edessa, the Martyr
Date: XIX century.
Iconographic school/art center: Russia
Material: Wood, tempera
Dimensions: height 25,4 cm, width 21,7 cm
In the centre of the icon Our Lady is depicted waist-length. Seven swords are thrust into Her heart-three swords on both sides and one from below.The number seven symbolizes the magnitude of anguish, pain and heartache experienced by the Mother of God in Her lifetime. On the raised flat borders of the icon panel are four saints- St.Gurias,St.Abibas,St.Samonas and St. Helena.
Inv. №КП-8768. © Omsk M.A. Vrubel Regional Museum of Fine Arts
General view