**Originally Listed At $300**

Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. A traveling icon with a hallmarked silver oklad (also oclad or riza) depicting George of Lydda - an idyllic image of victory with Saint George riding his noble steed and slaying the dragon to free the city and save the king's daughter. He is regally dressed to symbolize the triumph of good over evil, and the scene includes the monarchy's castle in the background. Framing this iconography is a border adorned with stylized geometric motifs and an inscription in Old Cyrillic at the bottom. A special example of sacred art from the Eastern Orthodox tradition. Silver quality: 99%. Size: 3.5" L x 2.875" W (8.9 cm x 7.3 cm)

Saint George was born in Lydda, Palestine during the 3rd century. He became an officer in the Roman army for Emperor Diocletian, demonstrating impressive skill in battle and receiving high honors for his courage. However, when he learned that Diocletian was preparing to persecute Christians, George presented himself publicly before the emperor and denounced him. The legend of Saint George and the Dragon, which originated in the 12th century, has immortalized the saint. However, this anecdote is rarely presented in iconography. According to tradition, St. George came to Silene in the province of Libya, where a ravaging dragon demanded daily sacrifice. Fate chose the king’s daughter, Elisaba, but George subdued the beast. He told the princess to fasten her sash about the dragon’s neck, so it could be led through the town for conversion of the people before it was killed.

The oklad or riza, sometimes referred to as a revetment in English, is a cover made from metals such as brass or silver, like this example, that not only protects the icon, but also serves to honor or venerate the figure(s) depicted on the icon. Oklads are usually adorned with repousse and/or chased work and pierced to reveal elements of the underlying painting.

Icons (icon means "image" in Greek) are sacred objects within the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition. Found in homes as well as churches, these painted images depict holy persons and saints as well as illustrate scenes from the Scriptures. Icons are not worshiped, but are instead venerated for their ability to focus the power of an individual's prayer to God. As a focus for prayers and meditation for believers, icons serve as "windows into heaven."

Lucite stand for photographic purposes only.

Provenance: ex Estate of Dr. W.M. Bogdanowicz, Naples, Florida USA

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#160749

Hallmarks on lower end include 84, signifying sterling silver, and St. George slaying the dragon which was the symbol for Moscow. A few indentations to the icon as shown, but the form is otherwise sound and the imagery is strong.