Icon Of Saint Abraham Of Galich Depicting Scenes From His Life

Saint Abraham of Galich was one of the first and most prominent disciples of Saint Sergius of Radonezh at the Holy Trinity Monastery. This icon, adorned with a riza (cover) of gilded silver, depicts the life and works of Saint Abraham.

The central panel depicts the saint holding the icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” (Umilenie). According to tradition, this miraculous image appeared to Saint Abraham near Lake Chukhloma after he had left the monastery of Saint Sergius of Radonezh in search of a life of solitude in the wilderness.

The narrative scenes surrounding the central panel illustrate the major events and spiritual feats of the saint’s life. In the upper left corner, Saint Abraham is depicted receiving a blessing from Saint Sergius of Radonezh before setting out for the remote wilderness.

This rare and precious icon, adorned with a gilded silver riza, is a remarkable example of the Russian school from the early 1860s. The silver plating was executed by the Moscow master Vasily Semionov, whose workshop was founded in 1852. The icon bears authentic hallmarks on both the silver riza and the saint’s halo. The riza is in excellent condition, and its original gilding has been exceptionally well preserved.