7 - Monthly Menologion (Menaion or Calendar Icon) - 19th century

Monthly Menologion (Menaion or Calendar Icon) - 19th century Egg tempera on panel Height x width: 56 x 42.5 cm Entirely dedicated to the liturgical celebration of the month of October, as solemnly indicated by the large calligraphic inscription in red Cyrillic characters along the upper margin (“МЦЪ ОКТОБРІЙ” — Month of October), the panel is strictly organized into five superimposed horizontal registers. Within these, a master miniaturist of extraordinary skill has depicted—day by day and in chronological order—the saints, martyrs, Church Fathers, and the Marian and Christological feasts commemorated in the Orthodox liturgical calendar throughout the month. The narrative begins in the upper-left corner, corresponding to October 1, with a detailed depiction of the feast of the Pokrov (the Protection of the Mother of God), set within the Church of Blachernae. From this point on, the composition unfolds as a solemn procession of dozens of full-length miniature figures, each precisely identified by delicate explanatory inscriptions in Old Church Slavonic, written on the yellow dividing strips. Among the numerous scenes and figures, one can discern solemn bishops in their formal omophoria, desert ascetics in monastic garb, warrior saints, and martyrs bearing the cross of their testimony, as well as dramatic depictions of the beheading or martyrdom of specific saints (notably in the right-hand corner of the second register). Stylistically and technically, the work reflects the exceptional mastery of workshops specializing in devotional miniature painting—likely associated with centers such as Palekh or Mstera, or commissioned by the Old Believers—demonstrating an ability to handle an impressive density of figures without ever compromising calligraphic clarity, facial expressiveness, or anatomical precision. The color palette is extraordinarily rich and mystically balanced, dominated by the juxtaposition of vivid cinnabar reds, deep emerald greens, and the dark blues of the garments—all of which stand out magnificently against golden halos and architectural backgrounds, punctuated by rocky mountains (gorki) in keeping with the purest Byzantine tradition. H.E. Most Rev. Francisco-Javier Lozano Sebastián, Titular Archbishop of Penafiel and Apostolic Nuncio Emeritus. Item condition rating: **** good. The lot is in good condition, with normal wear and defects commensurate with its age and use over time. Minor losses and restorations.