19th Century Russian Icon Synaxis of Hierarch Saints, Christ Pantokrator, 1850s

Details

Description

19th-Century Russian Icon of the Synaxis of Hierarch Saints with Christ Pantokrator, with Inscribed Dedication, circa 1850

A beautiful 19th-century … Read more 19th-Century Russian Icon of the Synaxis of Hierarch Saints with Christ Pantokrator, with Inscribed Dedication, circa 1850

A beautiful 19th-century Russian Orthodox icon depicting the Synaxis of Hierarch Saints beneath a vision of Christ Pantokrator in Glory. Executed in egg tempera and gold on a carved wood panel, this icon exemplifies the devotional artistry of the Imperial Russian period. Measuring approximately 12 inches high by 9 inches wide, it retains vivid coloration and finely detailed gilding, with the saints' garments and halos richly articulated in the traditional academic style of mid-19th century iconography.

The composition features a central trio of revered Church Fathers: St. Peter of Moscow, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, and St. Alexius of Moscow, each holding an open Gospel and rendered in full hierarchical vestments. They are flanked by St. John Chrysostom, St. Philip of Moscow, and two monastic saints: St. John of Rila and St. Sergius of Radonezh. Above them, Christ appears in blessing amidst clouds, reinforcing their divine authority and apostolic lineage.

The reverse of the panel bears a fascinating handwritten dedication in old script, reading:

“This [icon of the] Protection is for Ivan Fedorov,” suggesting the icon was either commissioned or gifted in his name. Additional inscriptions list the names of the saints depicted on the front, functioning as a key to the image and further supporting the icon’s use in private devotion.

The panel is traditionally constructed with raised borders and original carved shponki (wooden braces) on the reverse, showing age-appropriate wear and minor surface abrasions, but with stable pigment and gold throughout.

A rare example of a group saint icon with personal provenance, this piece offers not only liturgical beauty but also a direct connection to the devotional practices of 19th-century Orthodox believers.

Inscriptions on Back:

The vertical handwritten text on the reverse of the icon reads:
"No 44"
"Се Покровъ Ивану Федорову"
Translation: "This [icon of the] Protection (Pokrov) [belongs] to Ivan Fedorov."

Main Block (Middle Panel):
A list of saints depicted on the front:

"Предстоящихъ: Василия,
Николу Московскихъ, Петра,
Алексея, Иоанна, Филиппа
при наполе отъ Иоанна Рыльск
Сергiя"

Translation:
“Those standing: Basil,
Nicholas of Moscow, Peter,
Alexius, John, Philip,
on the sides: John of Rylsk,
Sergius.” See less