Antique folding triptych 'Adoration Mother of God Hodegetria' Balkan area 18th century

Ancient folding triptych 'Adoration of the Mother of God of Hodegetria' Balkan area 18th century
The protagonist of the triptych is the Mother of God of Hodegetria, depicted, as per tradition, half-length on a golden background holding baby Jesus in her arms and pointing to him with her free hand, as the only way to salvation. The Virgin of Odigitria has always symbolized the guide, the one who shows the way. Around the figure of Mary, again on a golden background, are the figures of four saints in adoration, two half-length at the base of the triptych, while the other two are placed on the folding sides.The ancient orthodox icon is made up of three wooden plates held together by hooks. The construction technique is the traditional one, consequently, the wood, dried for at least 100 years to avoid damage caused by humidity, was covered with a layer of levkas, a mixture of plaster and glue of animal origin, and then painted with tempera egg.The triptych icon is 36.5 cm high and 46.5 cm wide with doors open. It is unique in its kind, dates back to the 18th century and comes from the Balkan areas, bordering Greece.The Virgin icon is shipped in a satin-lined velvet box, with a certificate of guarantee and originality attached, with an expert report drawn up by the experts of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage of Russia, and an export document.