Large 18th Century Greek Orthodox Icon Triptych
Authentic antique, large 18th-century Greek Orthodox icon triptych, finely hand-painted on wood panels. The center wooden panel has a niche carved as a raised arch. Within is an image of the crowned Mother of God (Theotokos), flanked by the Greek script.
The Virgin crowned and nimbate, in a richly embroidered veil, supports a small, rather adult-looking Christ child on the one hand. The Christ is dressed in an elaborate gown and holds a "globus cruciger" in the right hand."The top two rows of the wings have been painted with images of chosen saints."
The left lower row is painted with St George slaying the Dragon.
Saint George was a Christian who is venerated as a saint in Christianity. According to tradition, he was a soldier in the Roman army. Saint George was a soldier of Cappadocian Greek origin and a member of the Praetorian Guard for Roman emperor Diocletian, who was sentenced to death for refusing to recant his Christian faith. He became one of the most venerated saints and megalomartyrs in Christianity, and he has been especially venerated as a military saint since the Crusades. He is respected by Christians, Druze, and some Muslims as a martyr of monotheistic faith.The right lower row depicts St. Demetrios of Thessalonica, killing the Bulgarian Tsar Kaloyan.
Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki was a soldier who lived in the early 4th century. He was the son of a high-ranking soldier in the Greek army. As a young man, he refused to convert to Paganism, and he is known for the miracles he performed on the battlefield, saving Greece from the Bulgarian Tsar Kalojan.The Greek calligraphy inscription on the front panels when closed.
Since the market is flooded with reproductions of the Greek Orthodox wooden icon triptych, which for inexperienced collectors looks the same as the authentic objects, we would like to inform our clients that this is a genuine antique Icon accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.CONDITION: It is showing its age to be 200 years, with some age wear overall. The paint surface is distressed, as well as wear and craquelure overall with age and use, with a dark patina. It is free of repainting and repairs.
MEASUREMENTS:
Open: 39.5 cm x 30.5 cm. (15.55 inches x 12.01 inches).
Closed: 30.5 cm x 20.5 cm (12 .01 inches x 8.07 inches).