Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 1850 CE. Beautifully created in egg tempera, gold leaf, and gesso on wood with faux enamel borders, a depiction of the folkloric account of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus. The artist has depicted the Seven Youths in their cave on the mountain near Ephesus. Traditionally called Maximilian, Iamblicus, Martinian, John, Dionysius, Exacustodian (Constantine), and Antoninus, these men purportedly lived in the 3rd century CE, were friends since childhood, and entered military service together. Christ floats above aloft a heavenly cloud his hand in a gesture of benediction. In addition to the stunning gold leaf halos and background, the floral and geometric border delineated in enamel of vermilion and forest green hues embellishes the scene. Size: 10.25" L x 8.375" W (26 cm x 21.3 cm)

According to the story of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesis, when Emperor Decius (249-251 CE) arrived in Ephesus, he demanded that everyone offer sacrifices to the pagan gods; however, these seven young men declared their belief in Christ. Following this, their military insignia and belts were removed, and Decius surprisingly let them go free rather than torturing them or sentencing them to death in hopes that they would change their minds. So the young men fled the city and sequestered themselves in a cave on Mount Ochlon where they prepared for martyrdom. One day Saint Iamblicus disguised himself as a beggar and went to the city to buy bread. Upon hearing that the Emperor had returned and was looking for them, he urged his friends to come out of the cave and face trial. The Emperor learned of their whereabouts and had the cave sealed with stones, but two dignitaries at the blocked entrance happened to be Christians. They decided to memorialize the seven men with a silver plaque that furbished their names and the details of their demise. The Lord miraculously induced a sleep that lasted about 200 years during which time the persecutions against Christians had ceased. The story continues with a rather lengthy but interesting narrative. To read more about the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus, see the Orthodox Church in America's website - https://oca.org/saints/lives/2014/08/04/102195-7-holy-youths-seven-sleepers-of-ephesus

Icons were some of the first religious artworks brought to Russia from Byzantium. These sacred pictures reached a high point in the Byzantine era, however, the Russians brought their own style to the art of the icon. Icons were initially created for use in churches and processions. In time they became smaller and were used increasingly within households. To this day they remain an important form of visual culture in Russia's orthodox religious community. Icons (icon means "image" in Greek) are sacred objects within the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition. 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 Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection

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#124546

Surface wear with losses to faux enamel, gold leaf, and pigment as shown. A few nicks to peripheries and areas of the composition. Handwritten inscription and a few abraded areas on verso.