Lot number 2531 - Auction 142
IKONE MIT DER ERMORDUNG DES HEILIGEN GLEB

AN ICON SHOWING THE MURDER OF ST. GLEB Russian, 17th century Tempera on wood panel with double kovcheg. The halo and background made of gold. Set into a later panel (vrezka), losses. 33 x 26.3 cm. According to the legend of Nestor, the murderers pursued St. Gleb for a long time while he was in a boat. As they drew closer, Saint Gleb realized their malicious intent and begged his companions not to take up arms or resist. He told them that if they surrendered, they would simply take him to his brother, but if they resisted, they would all be struck down. Following the saint's wish, his companions landed on the shore, gazing at the blessed Gleb with pity, who remained in the middle of the river with the other youths. Soon after, the murderers approached, and one of them, a cook named Torchin, who had been bribed by Sviatopolk, committed the heinous act. With a knife, he cut Saint Gleb's throat while the saint was in prayer and silence. His death is regarded as an act of martyrdom, as Gleb refused to use violence or defend himself, choosing instead to submit to his fate in order to fulfill God's will.