Antique 18thC Greek Orthodox Triptych Icon Virgin Mary & Saints Egg Tempera 1700

Details

Description

A fine early 18th Century hand-painted Greek Orthodox triptych icon, depicting the Virgin Mary and Christ surrounded by Saints, circa … Read more A fine early 18th Century hand-painted Greek Orthodox triptych icon, depicting the Virgin Mary and Christ surrounded by Saints, circa 1700.

This very attractive icon painted with egg tempera on wood three paneled triptych features a central panel of the virgin Mary holding the Christ child, sometimes known as the "Unfading Rose", surrounded by Old testament prophets and orthodox saints.
Next to Mary & Jesus is a prophet handing a scroll symbolizing the Old Testament prophesies of the incarnation, below is a row of four saints with halos.
Both side wings, left and right are hinged panels, each is stacked with three painted scenes of holy figures. The bottom register on both sides portrays the prominent military saints of the Eastern Orthodox Church—Saint George slaying the dragon on the left and Saint Demetrius on horseback on the right. The upper registers house other revered archbishops, apostles, and prophets.
With the wings are closed the panels are decorated with black linear painted Christian passion motifs; including a central Cross, the Holy Lance (spear) used to pierce Christ's side, and the Holy Sponge fixed upon a reed to offer him vinegar. To the base is a Memento Mori: the Skull & crossbones of Adam to symbolize Christ's victory over death and the washing away of original sin.

To the verso is the official Greek art export stamp alongside handwritten inscriptions, stamped with official customs and cultural heritage department seal, allowing the icon to leave Greece.
The icon is in very good antique condition and is ready to hang on your wall and grace your space.
Top to bottom register, Left Panel:

Saint Athanasius and Saint Cyril of Alexandria,
Saint Nicholas and Saint Spyridon,
Saint George slaying the dragon

Top to bottom register, Right Panel:
Saint Anthony the Great and Saint Euthymius the Great,
Saint Constantine the Great and Saint Helen,
The Military Saint: Saint Demetrius of Thessalonki lancing the gladiator depicting persecution

This item is an antique Greek Orthodox triptych icon depicting the Mother of God "The Unfading Rose" (also known as the Unfading Bloom or Fragrant Flower) surrounded by Old Testament prophets and selected Christian saints. Dating to the 18th century, it is rendered in egg tempera and gold leaf on curved wooden panels.

Iconography Details

Central Panel: The central image shows the crowned Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child. Next to them is a prophet holding a scroll pointing toward Christ, symbolizing Old Testament prophecies concerning the Incarnation. The base of the central panel features a row of four halos surrounding interceding saints.

Side Wings (Flanks): The left and right hinged panels showcase stacked registers of holy figures. The bottom register on both sides traditionally portrays the prominent military saints of the Eastern Church—Saint George slaying the dragon on the left and Saint Demetrius on horseback on the right. The upper registers house other revered archbishops, apostles, and prophets


Dimensions when closed: 11 W x 16.50 H x 1.25 D See less