Lot 146
Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. Traditionally painted in egg tempera and gold leaf on wood, a very fine icon depicting St. Simon, one of the "fools for Christ"- a term that derives from the statements of Paul, "God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise" (I Corinthians I:27). St. Simon would feign extreme madness in order to shock people and shake them out from their complacency provoking them to subscribe to faith. This crazed state is demonstrated by his light clothing and bare feet (inappropriate given Russia's climate). He intercedes with the Mother of God and Christ depicted in the upper left corner on behalf of his native town of Yurievits on the Volga. The golden text in the upper right corner identifies him: "An image of the holy blessed Simon, a fool for Christ's sake, the miracle-worker". The red ovals flanking his legs feature liturgical texts about him (more specifically, Kontakion and the Troparion: hymns written about the saint chanted during services on his feast day), and at the bottom is a lengthy account of his life on a rectangular black panel - all painstakingly handwritten/painted in gold leaf. Size: 12.5" W x 10.5" H (31.8 cm x 26.7 cm)
According to curator Jeanne Marie Warzeski, "In Eastern Orthodoxy, one form of the ascetic Christian life is called foolishness for the sake of Christ. While a 'conventional' ascetic renounces the profane world to devote his life to God unconditionally through chastity, poverty, and humility, the fool for Christs sake rejects the mandatory practices of monastic seclusion and instead chooses to live in the secular world. A Holy Fool acts intentionally foolish in the eyes of men. He or she often goes around half-naked, is homeless, speaks in riddles, is believed to be clairvoyant and a prophet, and may occasionally be disruptive and challenging to the point of seeming immoral (though always to make a point)." Scholar Alfredo Tradigo writes that these individuals engaged in a "special form of asceticism, which fought spiritual pride by seeking the scorn of one's fellow man." (Icons and Saints of the Eastern Orthodox Church, J. Paul Getty Museum: 2006, p. 351) Tradigo contextualizes his discussions with the following text written by a 16th century traveler to Russia, "Strange men who walk along the roads, hair scattered in the wind, iron chains around their necks, wearing no other clothing than a piece of sackcloth around the hips . . ."
In addition to the rich iconography concerning the cult of "fools for Christ" is the artist's expert hand. Notice how skillfully St. Simon's garment is rendered - with lavish folds of drapery gracefully cascading over his form, this despite the tunic's overall simplicity. We see this same skill demonstrated in the vestments of Mother and Child. Adding to this is the impressive naturalism imbuing the holy figures' visages, hands, and in St. Simon's case, legs. Then there is the picturesque landscape with quaint churches marked by cross-topped onion domes dotting the rolling hills, the tranquil scene represented in both linear and aerial perspective. Furthermore, recalling Byzantine splendor, are the gold leaf halos which not only symbolize holiness but also provide a visual contrast, given their flatness (intended to connote an ethereal quality) as opposed to the more modeled naturalism evident in the faces and bodies of the figures. Finally, the meticulously delineated text panels written/painted in gold leaf and framed by attractive gold leaf borders provide not only valuable historical/biblical context but also strong stylistic visual elements.
Provenance: ex-Francis and Lilly Robicsek collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
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#119418
- Condition: Expected surface wear with areas of pigment loss and nice craquelure. Text is very legible. Imagery is strong. A few small old chips to peripheries. Back slats intact. Wires for suspension on verso.
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