Tempera and gold on panel
Russia, 18th century
St. John of Sinai with monks standing by the ladder of the divine ascent
Dimensions: 39.5 x 33 cm
Good condition
An orthodox icon with a rare subject, finely painted in the typical 18th century style

The subject of this icon derives from an ascetical treatise, ‘The Ladder of Divine Ascent’, composed by the 7th century monk St. John of Sinai, also known as St. John Climacus. The purpose of the book, through its thirty chapters, is to guide the monks in order to renounce to vices and practice virtues, so that they achieve salvation and unification with God.



This icon provides a visual representation of the treatise. The building to the right refers to the Monastery of St. Catherine on the Mount Sinai. The oversized monk is the writer of the book, St. John Climacus himself. He holds an extended scroll, inscribed with part of his text, and whilst teaching the group of monks to his left, he points at those ascending the ladder. Two of the striving monks are aided by angels sitting on clouds, and at the same time they are tempted by the black silhouetted demons on the left. One monk has already fallen into to the open mouth of the hell, personified by the monster at the lower left corner of the icon.



The upper part of the composition, arranged as an arched setting, reveals through billowing clouds the open heaven. The half figure of the blessing Christ is portrayed to the left, welcoming the monks who succeeded to ascend the ladder. The celestial banquette, which subsequently awaits the successful monks, is depicted in a paradisiacal setting. The border of the icon includes the patron saints John the Evangelists and Natalia. The two family saints suggest that the icon was a private commission. The patron was possibly either a monk or a learned person because the represented subject is extremely rare and requires an advanced knowledge of the Orthodox religion.

Condition

The icon is in good condition commensurate with age, showing some paint flaking and craquelure in part. The inspection under UV light reveals major areas of retouching to the margins. The icon is 39.5 x 33 cm n size.

Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.