Maria Egyptica avec vita. Lot n° 40

An icon depicting Maria Egyptica with vita. Russia. 18th century? Tempera on panel. Basma and halo in driven copper tin. No kovcheg. Against warping panel protected by two wedges embedded in head and base. Icons with Mary of Egypt as the main theme are rare because she was usually depicted together with several saints. She is an atypical figure: sinner, prostitute who, after repentance, retires to the desert as a hermit. The life story of Mary of Egypt was described in 634 by Sophronius, Syrian and bishop of Jerusalem. These writings were later translated into Latin by Paul, deacon of Naples. Mary of Egypt is still venerated, especially in the Mediterranean region. 31 x 26 cm