Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. A wonderful wooden icon of Saint George of Lydda covered by a gilt silver oklad. The example displays 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 floral motifs with a saint to the left and a Cyrillic inscription, likely identifying St. George, at the top. A special example of sacred art from the Eastern Orthodox tradition! Size: 1.5" L x 10.6" W x 12.1" H (3.8 cm x 26.9 cm x 30.7 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."

Provenance: private Louisville, Colorado, USA collection

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#184334

Missing upper back slat. Oklad is removable from wooden icon. Some light chipping to peripheries with a small tear and bending to oklad. Minor nicks to paint but otherwise nice presentation with clear relief and painted imagery. Indecipherable Cyrillic inscription on verso. Suspension hook on verso for display.