Forgotten Russian Icon Reveals Surprising Italian Influence on Orthodox Art
The article introduces a previously unseen icon from the Kremlin Museums, dating back to the early 16th century and following the Moscow tradition. By analyzing the icon's features, it is revealed that the gestures of the Mother of God and Child were influenced by Italian Quattrocento models. This high-style icon played a significant role in shaping the Our Lady of Shuya iconographic type, which became popular in the Russian North. Despite its Moscow origins, the iconography's roots were eventually forgotten.