Hand-Painted Greek Orthodox Icon on Wood | Christ Pantocrator with Saints | 16th–18th Century
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Greece (possibly from a Greek island, as indicated by provenance note)
Material: Tempera pigments and gilt on wooden panel, later gilt foliate frame
Period: 16th–18th Century
Description
This rare Greek Orthodox icon is composed in two registers. The upper section presents the sacred Deësis: Christ Pantocrator enthroned at center, raising His right hand in blessing and holding the Gospels, flanked by the Virgin Mary (left) and St. John the Baptist (right), interceding for humanity. The lower register depicts the equestrian warrior saints—St. George, mounted on a white steed as he slays the dragon, and St. Demetrius, on a red horse, spearing a fallen adversary.
Painted in tempera with vivid pigments and set against a radiant gold ground, the icon projects both devotional gravitas and luminous spiritual presence. Greek inscriptions above each figure confirm their identities, affirming the work’s ecclesiastical function. The panel is preserved in a later gilt frame with foliate decoration, enhancing its display.
Features
- Upper register: Deësis with Christ Pantocrator, Virgin Mary, and St. John the Baptist
- Lower register: St. George (dragon-slayer) and St. Demetrius (martial saint) on horseback
- Rich gold ground symbolizing divine light
- Greek inscriptions identifying each holy figure
- Hand-painted tempera on wood, in traditional Orthodox technique
- Later gilt foliate frame for preservation and display
Cultural Significance
This icon combines two of the most powerful motifs in Eastern Orthodox devotion: the Deësis, representing the intercessory plea of the Mother of God and the Baptist to Christ on behalf of humanity, and the equestrian warrior saints, invoked as protectors and defenders of the faithful. Icons of this type were venerated both in parish churches and private households, serving as tangible spiritual conduits and guardians against misfortune.
Condition
Panel exhibits craquelure, surface wear, and age-related cracking. Paint losses are visible, most notably in the St. Demetrius scene. Frame retains its decorative character with expected wear and small chips consistent with age.
Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 17 in
Width: 15 in
Age
Circa 16th–18th Century CE
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Greece (possibly from a Greek island, as indicated by provenance note)
Material: Tempera pigments and gilt on wooden panel, later gilt foliate frame
Period: 16th–18th Century
Description
This rare Greek Orthodox icon is composed in two registers. The upper section presents the sacred Deësis: Christ Pantocrator enthroned at center, raising His right hand in blessing and holding the Gospels, flanked by the Virgin Mary (left) and St. John the Baptist (right), interceding for humanity. The lower register depicts the equestrian warrior saints—St. George, mounted on a white steed as he slays the dragon, and St. Demetrius, on a red horse, spearing a fallen adversary.
Painted in tempera with vivid pigments and set against a radiant gold ground, the icon projects both devotional gravitas and luminous spiritual presence. Greek inscriptions above each figure confirm their identities, affirming the work’s ecclesiastical function. The panel is preserved in a later gilt frame with foliate decoration, enhancing its display.
Features
- Upper register: Deësis with Christ Pantocrator, Virgin Mary, and St. John the Baptist
- Lower register: St. George (dragon-slayer) and St. Demetrius (martial saint) on horseback
- Rich gold ground symbolizing divine light
- Greek inscriptions identifying each holy figure
- Hand-painted tempera on wood, in traditional Orthodox technique
- Later gilt foliate frame for preservation and display
Cultural Significance
This icon combines two of the most powerful motifs in Eastern Orthodox devotion: the Deësis, representing the intercessory plea of the Mother of God and the Baptist to Christ on behalf of humanity, and the equestrian warrior saints, invoked as protectors and defenders of the faithful. Icons of this type were venerated both in parish churches and private households, serving as tangible spiritual conduits and guardians against misfortune.
Condition
Panel exhibits craquelure, surface wear, and age-related cracking. Paint losses are visible, most notably in the St. Demetrius scene. Frame retains its decorative character with expected wear and small chips consistent with age.
Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 17 in
Width: 15 in
Age
Circa 16th–18th Century CE
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