Description:

Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. Finely painted in egg tempera and gold leaf on gesso atop wood, an icon displaying Saints Zosimus and Sabbatius standing in profile, facing one another with extended hands, and conversing underneath a floating image of the Mother of God and the infant Christ. A wide river flows in the background, and the edifice of the Solovki monastic society behind that. Surrounding the scene is a strikingly-detailed strapwork border with faux enamel embellishments in hues of blue, pink, white, and red; central to the iconography is an openwork cross with accompanying lattice-work details between the two venerated men. Size: 5.5" W x 7" H (14 cm x 17.8 cm).

According to Russian lore, Saint Sabbatius was the first monk to inhabit one of the Solovetski Islands just south of the Arctic circle. After his passing, the Russian hermit Zosimus took up Sabbatius' responsibilities. Over time, Zosimus founded the first monastic society of Solovki on the largest of the Solovetski Islands. This icon portrays both protege and predecessor speaking with one another.

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 such they are truly "windows into heaven."

Provenance: ex-Francis & Lilly Robicsek collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

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#120670

  • Condition: Expected surface wear and slight losses commensurate with age; however, the imagery is still quite vivid.

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April 17, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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