Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A fascinating icon of Saint George, depicting him from the waist up in hues of green, red, white, yellow, blue, and black egg tempera on wood. Bowing his head to his right, the heroic saint holds a spear in his right hand and a sword in his left. He wears lavish armor featuring an elaborate pectoral adorned with intricately painted vegetal motifs, as a crimson cape drapes his back. Liberal remains of Cyrillic script embellish the sky above him. Size: 10.5" W x 13.3" H (26.7 cm x 33.8 cm)

Saint George was born in Lydda in Palestine during the 3rd century CE. He became an officer in the Roman army in the guard of 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 king's daughter, Elisaba, but George subdued the beast. He told the princess to fasten her sash about the dragon's neck so it could be led through the town for conversion of the people before it was killed.

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: private New Jersey, USA collection

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#167314

Area of loss to verso. Some stable fissures and chipping to peripheries and paint. Fading and staining to pigments. Otherwise, excellent with nice craquelure to tempera.