Lot 110A
Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. Beautifully delineated in egg tempera and liberal gold leaf on wood, an iconographically rich icon depicting the Crucifixion of Christ with God the Father and a white dove of the Holy Spirit above, as well as the Archangel Saint Michael blowing his horn while riding his red winged horse on the lower left, and Saint George mounted on his white stallion as he slays the dragon on the lower right. Yes, animals feature quite prominently in Christian art! Patron saints and a bishop are depicted on the left and right borders as well as the Pantocrator Christ on the upper left and a scene featuring bishops and saints on the upper right. Size: 10.125" L x 8.875" W (25.7 cm x 22.5 cm)
As Chief Commander of the Heavenly hosts, Saint Michael bravely challenged the Devil. Satan, after all, was Michael's opponent in the battle for Heaven. The figures' gestures and motion are characteristically dramatic. Archangels are understood to be helpers and allies who offer dedicated protection through life's trials and travails. Their names usually end in the suffix "ael" or "iel" meaning Shining One in Hebrew, e.g. Miguel, Rafael, Gabriel, Ariel, Ezekiel, Barachiel, Uriel, etc.
Saint George was born in Lydda, Palestine during the 3rd century. He became an officer in the Roman army in guard for Emperor Diocletian, demonstrating impressive skill in battle and receiving high honor for his courage. When he learned that Diocletian was preparing to persecute Christians, George presented himself publicly before the emperor and denounced him. The legend of Saint George and the Dragon, which originated in the 12th century, has immortalized the saint. However, this anecdote is rarely presented in iconography. According to tradition, St. George came to Silene in the province of Libya, where a ravaging dragon demanded daily sacrifice. Fate chose the kings daughter, Elisaba, but George subdued the beast. He told the princess to fasten her sash about the dragons neck so it could be led through the town for conversion of the people before it was killed.
This icon most likely was kept in someones home. According to Jeanne Marie Warzeski, scholar and curator of the North Carolina Museum of History's "Windows into Heaven" exhibition, "In the early Byzantine Empire, the home became the primary base for the development of icon veneration. Throughout the ensuing centuries, icons continued to receive honor in homes and churches. To this day, many Orthodox Christians create for prayer and meditation in their home a krasny ugol, or beautiful corner, where family icons are placed. Guests entering a house customarily honor the icons in the corner by crossing themselves before the objects. An oil lamp is set near the icons and is lit daily, according to Orthodox tradition."
Icons (icon means "image" in Greek) are sacred objects within the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition. Found in homes as well as churches, these painted images depict holy persons and saints as well as illustrate scenes from the Scriptures. Icons are not worshiped, but are instead venerated for their ability to focus the power of an individual's prayer to God. As a focus for prayers and meditation for believers, icons serve as windows into heaven.
Provenance: private E. G. collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
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#125284
- Condition: Expected surface wear and paint/gilt loss commensurate with age. Nice craquelure. Paint drop on verso.
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