A RUSSIAN ICON OF THE PROTECTING VEIL OR POKROV OF THE MOTHER OF GOD the top register depicts the Virgin Mary standing on a cloud formation, enveloped in a mandorla and holding the protecting veil in her hands, the Holy Mother is surrounded by saints and apostles, the bottom register presents the hymnographer Romanos the Melodist holding up a hymn dedicated to the Virgin, near him St. Andrew the Fool is standing with his disciple Epiphanius and describing a vision he had while praying in the Church of Blachernae in Constantinople, represented by the domes visible above the upper register. Egg tempera, gold leaf, and gesso on a wood panel with kovcheg. Two insert splints on the back. 37.5 x 30 cm (14 3/4 x 11 3/4 in.)