The icon of our Lady of the Sign
The icon belonged to Alexander D.Menshikov and was preserved by his successors. Alexander D.Menshikov (1773–12(23) November 1729) was a founder of the family of Dukes Menshikov. He was a statesman, a favorite and a companion of Peter the Great; actual ruler in time of Catherine I (1725–1727). In time of reign of Peter II (1727–1730) as a result of court intrigues Menshikov was accused of abuse and embezzlement, arrested, deprived of all awards, titles, property and exiled with his family to Siberia to the town of Berezov. According to the inscription exactly with this icon before his death in 1729 he had blessed his son Alexander. Icon of Our Lady of the Sign was painted as an exact copy of an ancient icon that showed the miracle of deliverance of Novgorod of the enemy siege in 1170.