Lucy Garnot
“Placidas and the Stag”
Circa 1900

About the Item

Original photo mechanical print handcolored throughout by the French artist, Lucy Garnot. Signed left bottom. Circa 1900. Condition is very good. This image is taken from the original stained glass medieval window found in the Chartres Cathedral in Paris France. It depicts the conversion of Placidas. See following paragraph. The artwork is housed in its original period gold over wood frame. Under glass. Overall framed measurements are 8.5 inches round. Before his Baptism, the Holy Great Martyr Eustáthios was named Plakidas (Πλακίδας). He was a Roman General in the reigns of Emperors Titus (79-81) and Trajan (98-117). Even before he came to know Christ, Plakidas devoted himself to charitable endeavors, helping the poor and destitute. Therefore, the Lord did not allow this virtuous pagan to continue in the darkness of idolatry. One day, while hunting in a forest, he saw a remarkable stag which stopped now and then to stare at him. Plakidas pursued it on horseback, but could not catch up. The stag jumped over a chasm and stood on the other side facing him. Suddenly, Plakidas saw a radiant Cross between its antlers. The General was astonished to hear a voice coming from the Cross saying, “Why do you pursue me, Plakidas?” “Who are You, Master?” asked Plakidas. The voice replied, “I am Jesus Christ, Whom you do not know, but by your good deeds, you honor me. I have appeared here on this creature for your sake, to draw you into the net of my love for mankind. It is not fitting that one as righteous as you should worship idols and remain ignorant of the truth. It was to save mankind that I came into the world.” Plakidas cried out, “Lord, I believe that You are the God of Heaven and earth, the Creator of all things. Master, teach me what I should do.” Again the Lord replied, “Go to the bishop of your country and receive Baptism from him, and he will instruct you.” Plakidas returned home and joyfully recounted everything to his wife Tatiana. She in turn told him of a strange dream she had the evening before, in which she had been told, “Tomorrow you, your husband and your sons shall come to me and know that I am the true God.” The couple then proceeded to do as they had been told. They hastened to the Christian bishop, who baptized all their family, and then communed them with the Holy Mysteries. Plakidas was renamed Eustáthios, his wife was called Theopistē, and their children, Agapios and Theopistos. On the following day, Saint Eustáthios went to the place of his miraculous conversion and there he gave thanks to the Lord for having called him to the path of salvation. Lucy Garnot was an early French 20th century artist who specialized in etchings of Paris landmarks and scenic views of the city of lights.

Creator:

Lucy Garnot (French)

Creation Year:

Circa 1900

Dimensions:

Height: 8 in (20.32 cm)Diameter: 8 in (20.32 cm)

Medium:

Archival Paper,Photogravure

Movement & Style:

Academic

Period:

1900-1909