Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. Finely executed in egg tempera on wood, a 19th c. icon depicting The Transfiguration. In the scene, the disciples Peter, James, and John, atop Mount Tabor, display a state of shock and ecstasy having seen the deified body of Christ standing upon a billowing cloud between the two seers of the Old Testament, Moses and Elijah. Adding to this meaningful iconography is the exceptional artistry and workmanship displayed, and the finely delineated figures are rendered in brilliant jewel tones and set against stunning golden ground. A breathtaking example of this religious art form. Size: 11.75" L x 8.75" W (29.8 cm x 22.2 cm)

Tabor of Galilee is regarded as the most holy site since ancient times. At the summit of Mount Tabor, beneath the flooring of the present-day Church of the Transfiguration is a rock that still shows traces of Canaanite cults. Worshippers believe that on Tabor one may witness God and his revelation. Scholar Alfredo Tradigo quotes the Old Testament to provide further context: "his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light." At this point the disciples "fell on their faces, "struck by the rays of "uncreated" light, which shone from the luminous aura enveloping the body of Christ." Tradigo writes, "According to tradition, every monk-painter is supposed to paint this icon at the start of his apprenticeship, so that he could paint his subsequent works in the light of Mount Tabor." (Tradigo, Icons and Saints of the Eastern Orthodox church, p. 125)

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 such they are truly 'windows into heaven.'

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection

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#164020

Back slats are missing.Expected age wear with areas of abrasions/nicks/scuffs as shown. Areas of inpainting. Nice craquelure to image. Inactive insect holes and wear to the verso.