Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 1725 CE. An exquisite and very large icon depicting the Finding of the True Cross by the Empress St. Helena in 319 CE in Jerusalem, finely delineated in egg tempera, gold leaf, gesso, and varnish on limewood. St. Helena (255-330 CE) was the mother of Constantine the Great and she fervently devoted the latter part of her life to doing good deeds once Christianity became officially embraced by the Roman Empire by her son's Edict of Milan of 313 CE. Helena founded numerous churches in the Holy Land and discovered the Cross upon which Christ was crucified. Size: 14" L x 29.25" W (35.6 cm x 74.3 cm), custom stand not included.

Interestingly, although Helena is typically depicted as an elderly woman, here the artist rendered her as an attractive, relatively young lady. In addition, Constantine is not included, which is historically accurate; however he usually appears in icons of this scene. According to scholar Monica White, the man on the left with his hands crossed over his chest, and the two on the right with hands raised, are dressed in what appear to be the long, fur-trimmed coats worn by Muscovite boyars, most likely to signify a Russian spiritual presence at this event, or even specific individuals in historical costume. Also of note are the two men on the right side facing left in profile, one of whom is a priest. Being in profile would normally indicate that they are evil in some way; however, the significance in this case is unknown. White also notes that the inscription explains that this icon was painted during Lent thanks to the donations of those who came to the Iconostasis of the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross in the Petrovskii District of the Moscow Region.

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 Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection

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#124585

Several age cracks, more visible on the verso. It is also possible that the icon was originally comprised of several joined panels, and the rightmost crack appears to be a separation of those panels. Back slats are present and intact. Losses to peripheries, particularly to corners. Surface wear with pigment and gilt losses as shown, but image is still strong.