79 - Synaxis of Interceding Saints under the Blessing of Christ Pantocrator - Late 19th century

Synaxis of Interceding Saints under the Blessing of Christ Pantocrator - Late 19th century Egg tempera on panel Height x width: 35.5 x 30 cm The composition is organized according to a strictly symmetrical and frontal arrangement, with a select group of seven full-length, standing saints positioned along a dark strip of ground in the foreground. At the very center of this sacred assembly stand two imposing ascetic monks—or hermit Fathers of the Church—distinguished by their exceptionally long gray beards and dark monastic robes adorned with cross motifs; they hold rosaries or processional crosses in their hands. To their left are two regal female figures: a monastic saint wearing a traditional white veil (apostolnik) and a saintly empress or martyr, who wears a sumptuous, gem-encrusted crown. On the right, the group is completed by a young martyr in a red tunic, who holds the cross of martyrdom against his chest, alongside two other veiled holy women, depicted in a posture of humble, intense prayer. The upper portion of the panel breaks the two-dimensionality of the golden background, opening toward the celestial realm: hovering above the saints’ heads is a dense, diffuse mystical cloud, surmounted by a radiant circular medallion. Within this medallion appears the figure of Jesus Christ Pantocrator—depicted from the waist up in a gesture of blessing and holding the Gospel—who watches over the assembly below, validating and welcoming the intercession of the saints gathered beneath Him. 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 color loss.