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Large Antique 18th Century Greek Icon of Saint George and the Dragon

About the Item

Large, unusual 18th century antique Greek Orthodox icon of Saint George and the Dragon with scenes from the life of the Saint. This rare, multi-faceted icon depicts the miracles associated with Saint George: The slaying of the Dragon and saving the Princess- on the left The conversion of the Libyan Pagans- at the upper right corner The miracle of saving the youth George of Paphlagonia- on the left Saint George as the Great Martyr, the Victory Bearer and the Wonder Worker- at lower right At the center top of the icon is Christ amidst the clouds, overseeing the scenes. Saint George is depicted on his white stallion, slaying the dragon with his elongated spear. Sitting behind Saint George is the figure of the youth George of Paphlagonia holding a drinking vessel, koykoymion. This rarely seen image refers to the legend from the Codex Mosquensis 381, fol.11-16v, a manuscript written in 1028AD by the monk Theophanes and kept in the Moscow Synodal Library. Beautifully described by Piotr Grotowski, Cracow in his article The Legend of St. George Saving a Youth from Captivity and its Depiction in Art: The cult of Saint George was propagated in Paphlagonia, especially in the place called “Potamos itoi i Oikiakos”, where a church of the saint was situated, to which numerous pilgrims were coming. A soldier lived there, named Leon. He and his wife Theophano revered this martyr, and when their son was born, they named him George. When the boy had grown up, his parents entrusted his education to those who maintained the shrine. When Bulgarians, Hungarians, Scythians, Medes and Turks threatened the northern borders of the empire, the emperor Phocas recruited an army. Leon, who was too old to become the commander of Byzantine forces, sent his twenty-year-old son George in his stead. Before the expedition started, they went to the church where George had been baptised, and the father invoked the protection of the saint patron for his namesake. The Byzantine army was defeated. Those soldiers who were not drowned at sea nor killed by famine were taken as prisoners. Young George, who was captured by the Bulgarians, was so handsome that their ruler made him a steward and kept the boy in his residence. Meanwhile the worried parents of the boy prayed to Saint George to liberate their child.... The feast of the martyred saint came and the parents of the prisoner went to the church for evening liturgy, following which they invited their relatives and friends for the traditional supper. However, sadness reigned during the supper, as everybody remembered the fate of the host's son. The same evening, the Bulgarian ruler ordered the boy to bring water for hand-washing during the supper in the palace. While the boy was going downstairs with a jug of hot water and a towel, the saint appeared to him on a white horse, ordered the boy to sit behind him, and immediately transported the youth to his home in a miraculous way...The prayers of thanksgiving in the church of Saint George lasted for the whole night. This icon is in very good condition. It has previously been restored. The back retains original 18th century hand forged wrought iron nails used to secure the icon.

Dimensions:

Height: 18 in (457 mm)Width: 15.08 in (383 mm)

Place of Origin:

Greece

Period:

18th Century

Date of Manufacture:

18th Century

Condition:

Additions or alterations made to the original. Wear consistent with age and use. This icon was previously restored. It is in very good condition.

Seller Location:

New York, NY