Virgin and Child. 1806-1809 icon from the north. gate ch. iconostasis Kazan own. in St. Petersburg. GRM Orest Adamovich Kiprensky (1782-1836)

The composition presents a standing female figure holding a child, set against a luminous background suggestive of celestial space. The woman is draped in flowing robes; a deep blue outer garment contrasts with a reddish-pink underdress visible at the sleeves and neckline. A dark sash encircles her waist, emphasizing the slender form beneath the voluminous fabric. Her gaze is directed downwards, conveying a sense of gentle sorrow or contemplative tenderness.
The child, positioned on her left hip, appears robust and animated. He extends his right arm outwards, as if reaching for something beyond the frame. His skin tone contrasts sharply with the darker hues of the woman’s attire, drawing immediate attention to his presence. The artist has rendered him with a degree of realism in terms of anatomical detail, yet he retains an idealized quality characteristic of depictions of infancy within religious iconography.
The background is dominated by a warm, golden light that diffuses across the composition. Clouds are suggested at the lower portion of the image, further reinforcing the impression of a divine realm. The lighting creates a halo-like effect around both figures, though it is less pronounced than in more traditional representations.
Subtleties within the painting suggest a departure from earlier iconographic conventions. The woman’s posture and expression are not overtly devotional; instead, they convey a quiet introspection. Her bare feet introduce an element of vulnerability and humanity that softens the images formality. The child’s gesture, while seemingly innocent, might be interpreted as a premonition or a yearning for something beyond his immediate surroundings.
The overall effect is one of restrained emotion and understated spirituality. While clearly rooted in religious subject matter, the work avoids overt displays of piety, opting instead for a more nuanced portrayal of maternal love and divine presence.