96 - Patron Saints (Saint George the Great Martyr, Saint Athanasius the Great, Saint Olympias the Deaconess). - 19th century

Patron Saints (Saint George the Great Martyr, Saint Athanasius the Great, Saint Olympias the Deaconess). - 19th century Egg tempera on panel Height x width: 41 x 36 cm Surmounting the scene, within a semicircular geometric cloud, is the bust of Christ the Savior (the Almighty Lord), emerging in a gesture of blessing and holding the Book of the Gospels. The three figures below represent a specific devotional combination, intended to reflect the name days or spiritual patronage of the original patron’s family members. Each saint is clearly identified by inscriptions in Old Slavic characters (liturgical Cyrillic) set against the dark green background. On the left stands Saint George the Great Martyr (Святой Великомученик Георгий Победоносец), depicted—unusually—not on horseback but as a noble Roman soldier, wearing embossed golden armor, high black boots, and a bright red cloak, while clutching a slender martyr’s cross in his right hand. Dominating the center is the monumental figure of Saint Athanasius the Great (Святитель Афанасий Великий), Archbishop of Alexandria and Father of the Church; he is portrayed, in accordance with strict hierarchical tradition, in solemn episcopal vestments—including the characteristic white omophorion adorned with large black crosses—bestowing a blessing with his right hand and holding a precious, gold- and gem-encrusted volume of the Gospels in his left. Rounding out the composition on the right is Saint Olympias the Deaconess (Святая Олимпиада Диакониса), a renowned hermit saint and associate of Saint John Chrysostom in Constantinople. She is depicted in austere monastic attire, featuring a maphorion and a dark blue veil covering her head over a reddish-brown tunic, while she clutches a cross to her chest. Stylistically, the icon is distinguished by a refined and linear execution, typical of the traditional 19th-century workshops of Central Russia. The contrasting use of vibrant hues for the garments against the somber background, combined with the precise definition of the faces through subtle highlights, lends a sense of solemnity to the figures—an effect further enhanced by the impeccable gilding of the large, circular halos. His Excellency 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.