Lot number 2283 - Auction 142
SEHR FEINE IKONE MIT DEN VIERZIG MÄRTYRERN VON SEBASTE

A VERY FINE ICON SHOWING THE FOURTY MARTYRS OF SEBASTE Greek, 17th century Tempera on wood panel with double kovcheg. Finely executed in great detail. The edges minimally chipped. 29.5 x 22.5 cm. The Forty Martyrs of Sebaste were a group of Roman soldiers who suffered persecution for their Christian faith during the reign of Emperor Licinius. After openly declaring their Christianity, they were condemned by the local prefect to endure a night of torture: they were forced to stand naked in a frozen lake. As the night progressed, one soldier defected, seeking warmth in a nearby heated bath that had been prepared for any who might waver in their faith. Yet, in a remarkable turn of events, the guard assigned to watch over them, moved by the steadfast faith of the remaining soldiers, cast off his own garments and joined the martyrs, restoring their number to forty.