19th Century - Icon On A Gold Background - 19th Century

Icon on a Gold Ground – 19th Century (possibly earlier) Tempera on wood panel Dimensions: Panel: width 16 cm – height 20.6 cm With frame: width 31 cm – height 37 cm Description This superb icon, executed in tempera on a gold ground, depicts a group of four saints or apostles, shown full-length in a particularly harmonious composition. The figures, rendered with subtle modeling and deep colors, hold the traditional attributes found in Eastern Christian iconography: Gospel book, scroll, or liturgical symbol. The gold ground, now beautifully patinated, provides a sacred luminosity characteristic of icons intended for private veneration. The red and blue drapery—typical of the late Byzantine tradition—as well as the hieratic bearing of the saints, suggest an ancient model, passed down in the workshops of Eastern Europe. Ideal as a Gift for a Religious Family This icon makes a particularly touching gift for a Catholic family or a family with a strong religious tradition. Believers—often called faithful, practicing Christians, or simply members of the Christian community—appreciate these spiritual objects that accompany prayer, protect the home, and carry the symbolism of the sacred. A beautiful, heartfelt, and meaningful gift. Amen. Shipping available throughout France and Europe, at the expense of the De Cicco Gallery. Iconographic Interpretation: The piece could represent: A group of four Doctors of the Church, or four saints venerated in the Byzantine and post-Byzantine tradition. The open books, scrolls, and blessing gestures refer to the transmission of the sacred word and the teaching role of these holy figures. Condition Report: Antique panel with natural cracking, consistent with age. Visible vertical crack, stabilized and not affecting overall legibility. Wear and abrasions to the gold background, attesting to an authentic and unrestored patina. Modest frame: A small strip needs reattaching, but this is insignificant; the piece remains stable. General, homogeneous and aesthetic wear over time, attesting to the sincerity of the piece.