Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 18th century CE. Finely delineated in egg tempera, gold leaf, gesso, and varnish on wood, an icon depicting Saint Paul on the right, holding his key attribute (no pun intended) of a gold and silver key, and Saint John the Evangelist, with a gospel book in his hands. Both are presented as elderly men; see extended description below for more about the rich iconography of this icon. Size: 19.375" L x 14.125" W (49.2 cm x 35.9 cm)

Both Peter (also known as Simon Peter or Saint Peter) and his brother Andrew were avid fishermen; hence, Jesus believed they would make ideal disciples as "fishers of men". It is written in the Gospel of Matthew (Matt 4:18-22) and the Gospel of Mark (Mark 1:16-20) that Andrew and Peter were called together to be Jesus' disciples and "fishers of men". In both narratives, Christ is ambling along the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee, discovers the brothers fishing, and calls them to be his disciples. Peter's appearance is remarkably consistent; he is depicted as an old yet vigorous man with grey curly hair and a short grey curly beard. He usually wears a yellow cloak over a blue tunic (sometimes green). Keys are his special attribute: "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 16:19) A gold and silver key - as we see in this depiction - respectfully symbolize the gates of heaven and hell as well as the power to give absolution and to excommunicate.

Also known as John the Theologian for his ability to channel divine wisdom, Saint John wrote the fourth Gospel (the Book of Revelation), while living in a cave on the isle of Patmos, exiled by Emperor Trajan. There he dictated a dramatic vision of the Apocalypse to the deacon Prochorus, his disciple and steadfast companion. John also wrote the “Gospel of Love” or the “flower of the Gospel” as Origen calls it – in addition to three of the Catholic Epistles. In the words of Patriarch Athenagoras, “John is the source of our loftiest spirituality. Like him, those who are silent know the mysterious confusion that can assail the heart; invoking the presence of John, their hearts catch fire.” (Tradigo, 262) Although here he is depicted as an elderly man, other icons present John as a beardless young disciple. Similar to the Baptist –as a bearded old man- he merits Jesus’ sobriquet for him – the “Son of Thunder.”

Icons were some of the first religious artworks brought to Russia from Byzantium. These sacred pictures of the Greek Orthodox church 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.

Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection

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#124580

Missing one back slat. Losses to peripheries as shown. Expected surrface wear with losses to pigment, gesso, and gold leaf as shown. Stain to right border.