Lot number 2530 - Auction 142
IKONE MIT DEM HEILIGEN GLEB UND DEM GESTOLPERTEN PFERD

AN ICON SHOWING ST. GLEB AND THE STUMBLING HORSE Russian, 17th century Tempera on wood panel with double kovcheg. The haloes and background made of gold. Set into a later panel (vrezka). 34.5 x 25.6 cm. According to the legend of St. Gleb, after receiving the news of his father's death, he set out on a journey to Kyiv. During this journey, his horse suddenly stumbled, which was seen as a bad omen and a sign of his impending fate. This event symbolizes the misfortune awaiting Gleb, as he was soon murdered on the orders of his brother Sviatopolk. In iconography, the stumbling horse is often depicted to emphasize the foreboding of Gleb's imminent death and his inevitable martyrdom.