Lot number 2558 - Auction 142
MONUMENTALE IKONE MIT DEM HEILIGEN SERGEJ VON RADONESCH AUS EINER KIRCHEN-IKONOSTASE

A MONUMENTAL ICON SHOWING ST. SERGEY OF RADNOEZH FROM A CHURCH ICONOSTASIS Russian, early 16th century Tempera on wood panel with kovcheg. The saint represented full-length, facing the viewer, raising his right hand in benediction and holding an open scroll. The elongated figure of the saint in monastic robes. His garment is modeled with black-contoured and white-highlighted folds. His white analabos is adorned with red crosses. The analabos symbolizes the burden of the cross that the monk takes upon himself when accepting the Great Schema, which represents the highest level of monastic life. It is not merely an external symbol but also an expression of deep spiritual commitment to a life of prayer, fasting, and penance. By wearing the analabos, the monk or nun is outwardly marked as someone fully dedicated to the service of God and prayer. The facial features rendered with sombre colours, the saturated deep red of the vestments contrasting with the pastel green tones. Horizontal cut restored, areas of retouching. On the reverse inventory number '57' in white. 86.7 x 57.5 cm. Provenance: KASTEEL DE WIJENBURGH, No. 5869 (label on the reverse).