Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 1825 CE. An icon depicting a hermit figure on the left, either St. Paul of Thebes (commonly known as Paul), the First Hermit or Paul the Anchorite (d.c. 341) on the left and Saint John the Hut Dweller on the right, with a gospel book in his hands, which is how his parents recognized him when he returned as a beggar. Size: 12" L x 9.75" W (30.5 cm x 24.8 cm)

Holy Father John (The Hut Dweller) was born in Constantinople in the early 5th century CE, the only child to wealthy, reputable parents. Drawn to the spiritual life, the youthful John fled to a monastery in Asia Minor where he spent six years living a life of the greatest restraint, prayer, and faithful obedience to the superior. Suddenly the devil tempted him to leave the monastery and return to his parents and live as a nobleman. Dressed as a beggar, he returned to his parents' home. Wishing to not reveal himself to them as their son, he remained as a beggar in their courtyard, surviving off the crumbs that their servants threw him and suffering much ridicule. This continued for three years, during which time he prayed to God that He would save his parents' souls. When St. John grew ill and felt death approaching, he elected to reveal himself to his parents who recognised him, because he possessed a precious Gospel-book which they had given him in childhood and which he had kept as his sole possession. Hence, this young man, saved his soul and those of his parents in approximately 450 CE.

Icons were some of the first religious artworks brought to Russia from Byzantium. These sacred pictures of the Greek Orthodox church reached a high point in the Byzantine era, however, the Russians brought their own style to the art of the icon. Icons were initially created for use in churches and processions. In time they became smaller and were used increasingly within households. To this day they remain an important form of visual culture in Russia's orthodox religious community.

Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection

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#124575

Expected surface wear with fissures and areas of overpainting. Nevertheless the imagery is still strong.