19th C. Russian Icon depicting the protection of the Mother of God. Tempera on wood with brass riza. The Protection (Pokrov) of the Mother of God is an important Church festival celebrated on October 1st. It originated in 911 AD when the townspeople of Constantinople were in great fear of a Moslem invasion. They crowded into the Church of the Vlakhernae and asked for divine help against the invaders. As they did so, the Holy Fool Andrew saw the Mother of God and a gathering of saints appear above the congregation. He watched as she spread her veil of protection over the gathered people. The forces of Constantinople emerged victorious from the battle and attributed the success to the appearance of the Mother of God. Here Mary is seen standing with saints and angels on clouds. To the lower right, the Holy Fool Andrew points the vision out to his disciple Epifanius. In the center near Andrew stands Romanos the Melodist, a noted composer of hymns to the Mother of God. According to tradition his skill in song came to him after the Mother of God appeared to him in a dream. Romanos lived in the 5th century but is included in this icon because he is commemorated on October 1st, the same day as the "Protection." Size: 12.5 x 10.5 inches.