Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 1810 to 1830 CE. Finely delineated in egg tempera, gesso, and gold leaf on wood, a beautiful icon depicting Saint George atop a white steed plunging his lance into the winged dragon below. The Princess Elisaba stands at the doorstep of an opulent edifice with the king and queen witnessing the momentous event from the balcony above - and an angel aloft a cluster of clouds in the celestial realm above Saint George about to crown him. The sky is rendered in shimmery gold leaf as are the crowns of all the figures. Size: 13.5" L x 11.25" W (34.3 cm x 28.6 cm)

Saint George was born in Lydda in Palestine during the 3rd century CE. He became an officer in the Roman army in the guard of Emperor Diocletian, demonstrating impressive skill in battle and receiving high honor for his courage. 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.

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 Ventura County, California, USA collection

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#122497

Small losses to corners as shown. Minor wear to image but still quite vivid and paint and gold leaf are in excellent condition. Old inventory labels attached to verso.