**Originally Listed At $450**

Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century. Finely painted in egg tempera on canvas on wood, an icon depicting Saint Seraphim of Sarov, the most renowned 19th century saint of Russia. Seraphim was a healer and famous staret possessing the gift of cardiognosis (the ability to 'read' hearts). He is shown wearing black and red robes and a golden cross over his chest, with his right hand placed over his heart and a stern gaze. A brilliant golden halo frames his bearded visage, with red and white border surrounding the elegant nimbus as well as his bust-length portrayal. In addition, an identifying inscription flanks his nimbus above. Size: 12.125" L x 10.125" W (30.8 cm x 25.7 cm)

According to scholar Jeanne Marie Warzeski, "Saint Seraphim (1759-1833) was the most renowned 19th century saint in Russia. At the age of 66 Seraphim began his career as a spiritual elder. Emerging from his trial of prayer and vigil, he turned to the suffering world as a healer, visionary and spiritual master. He was known as a hard but compassionate taskmaster who taught that every man could achieve Christian perfection in his ordinary life through the practice of prayer." [Warzeski, Jeanne Marie. 2014. "Windows Into Heaven: Russian Icons from the Lilly and Francis Robicsek Collection of Religious Art," North Carolina Museum of History, Raleigh, NC. Published in the catalogue accompanying the North Carolina Museum of History exhibition (p. 19).]

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection

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#162104

The border shows signs of restoration w/ repainting. The central composition shows expected age wear with scuffs, fissures, bubbling of pigment, and areas of loss to pigmentation. Minor touch up to brown background to left of image. Losses to peripheries and some separation at upper left corner. Missing back slats. Wired for suspension.