Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. late 18th to early 19th century CE. Finely delineated in egg tempera, gesso, and silver leaf on wood, a beautiful icon depicting Saint George atop his steed plunging his lance into the dragon below. St. George's visage is finely delineated and surrounded by a halo embellished with silver leaf. The artist also skillfully captured St. George's horse in motion, and the dragon slithers below. The icon is set in a blue-velvet covered mat and within a glass-fronted case/kiot. Size: 7.875" L x 6.625" W (20 cm x 16.8 cm); 11.375" L x 9.375" W (28.9 cm x 23.8 cm) including glass-fronted wooden kiot.
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 Ventura County, California, USA collection
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#140346
Condition
Surface wear with losses to pigmented gesso as shown. Scratches to silver leaf adorned halo, though much silver leaf remains. Areas of craquelure commensurate with age. Age cracks/abrasions to the wood. Glass fronted case/kiot dates later and is in good condition.