This is a single-panel wooden icon portraying Saint John the Evangelist (Saint John the Theologian) in a half-length composition, viewed in three-quarter profile. The saint appears as an elderly figure with a white beard and hair, contemplatively gazing at an open book (representing his Gospel) on a lectern. He wears a red outer mantle symbolizing divine love or martyrdom, over a green tunic denoting hope or eternal life. The background, now mostly obscured, was likely originally gilded or a deep blue-green, adhering to post-Byzantine conventions. The icon exemplifies the meditative Evangelist motif prevalent in Orthodox Christian art.
Medium and Technique:
Executed in egg tempera on a prepared wooden panel with gesso underlayer. This follows the standard Cretan icon-making process, including incised outlines for halos and detailed punchwork (now faded due to wear).
Provinance: Formerly in a European private collection, purchased mid 20th century on the Austrian antiques market. The object has been in Europe for several decades, last owner antiques dealer of Vienna...
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SILVER Seller in Slovenia, Slovenia
