113 - Protective Saints (Saint Theodore Stratelates, the Guardian Angel, Sergius of Radonezh, Saint Macarius the Great, Saint Onuphrius the Great). - 19th century

Protective Saints (Saint Theodore Stratelates, the Guardian Angel, Sergius of Radonezh, Saint Macarius the Great, Saint Onuphrius the Great). - 19th century Egg tempera on panel Height x width: 37 x 31 cm Iconographically, the panel depicts a select group of full-length saints, surmounted by the bust of Jesus Christ the Savior, who emerges in blessing from a halo of curling, Baroque-style clouds, holding the open Book of the Gospels. Below this celestial realm unfolds a solemn procession of five sacred figures, whose names—in Church Slavonic (liturgical Cyrillic) characters—are inscribed near their respective halos. Starting from the left, we see Saint Theodore Stratelates, the renowned Great Martyr and warrior-saint, depicted in refined, gilded, embossed Roman-style armor and high boots, holding a military spear in his right hand. Beside him stands the winged figure of the Guardian Angel, shown with outstretched feathered wings; he wears an orange *maphorion* over an emerald-green tunic and clutches an upright sword, a symbol of active protection against evil. Dominating the center of the composition is the majestic figure of the Venerable Sergius of Radonezh, Russia’s most important monastic saint and spiritual patron; he wears the austere vestments of the Great Schema, decorated with Golgotha crosses, while holding an unrolled parchment scroll bearing an ascetic exhortation. To his left stands Saint Macarius the Great—the celebrated hermit and Desert Father of Egypt—portrayed in brown monastic robes with a golden mantle draped around his shoulders, depicted in a posture of humble prayer. Finally, on the right edge, the composition concludes with another important ascetic—most likely Saint Onuphrius the Great—characterized by an emaciated body, a long beard, and an upward gaze. Stylistically, the work displays remarkable precision in its linear execution, typical of traditional nineteenth-century workshops in Central Russia or those influenced by the Palekh school. The stark contrast between the brilliant gold background and the vivid polychromy of the robes lends the image a powerful devotional impact. His Excellency the Most Reverend 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 paint loss; a crack at the top.