Lot number 2533 - Auction 142
IKONE MIT DER AUFFINDUNG DES LEICHNAMS DES HEILIGEN GLEBS

AN ICON OF THE DISCOVERY OF THE RELICS OF SAINT GLEB Russian, 17th century Tempera on wood panel with kovcheg. Finely executed on great detail with golden haloes. Set into a later panel (vrezka). 32.6 x 27.3 cm. This rare icon fragment depicts the discovery of the saint's body, which had been laid to rest in a desolate place between two tree trunks. According to legend: "The Lord never abandons His servants, as David once said: 'The Lord protects all their bones, not one of them will be broken; but death is harsh to the sinner.' The saint remained there for a long time, visible to many: at times appearing as a pillar of fire, at other times surrounded by burning candles. Some heard the singing of angels, while passersby witnessed these miraculous sights; others were graced with heavenly visions.