Venerable saints from the Kiev cave monastery
Origin
Russia
Age
dated 1782
Size
36.2 cm x 31.2 cm
Previous owner
Wütemberg private collection
Description
On the subject:
The Kiev Cave Monastery, also known as the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, is one of the most important religious and historical centers in Ukraine and the Orthodox world. Founded in the 11th century by Saints Antonij and Feodosij, the Kiev Pechersk Lavra has retained its immense religious significance to this day and continues to serve as a spiritual center. The Kiev Cave Monastery, also known as the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, thus remains a symbol of faith and history.
The monastery is not only a place of prayer and meditation, but also a treasure house of Orthodox art and culture. The monastery complexes, including the main cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, are impressive examples of Byzantine and Russian Orthodox architecture. The monastery has been constantly expanded and renovated over the centuries, making it a fascinating place that reflects the rich history and tradition of the region.
The venerable saints from the Kiev Cave Monastery:
Russia, dated 1782
Cypress wood panel, egg tempera on chalk ground.
The lower part of the icon shows the main building of the Kiev Cave Monastery in the center, which is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.
The saints are gathered to the right and left around the Kiev Cave Monastery. In the bottom row are the monastery fathers Antonij and Feodosij with scrolls, next to them eight other saints, in the top row on the left St. Peter, Metropolitan John and St. Pantheleimon, on the right St. Paul, Sergij of Radonesch and Antonius the Hermit.
In the middle of the upper part of the picture in the banks of clouds, the Mother of God soothes my pain, surrounded by seven angels. To the left of them is St. Michael, with Peter the Metropolitan of Moscow as an iconographic element; a miniature carved cross is inlaid between the saints. To the right of them is St. Gabriel, with Philip the first Holy Patriarch of Moscow and Russia and Alexei the first holder of the title of Metropolitan of Moscow. The holy women stand to the right and left on both sides.
At the top of another bank of clouds, God the Father is depicted on the left, Christ on the right and the Holy Spirit in the form of a white dove in the middle.
On the upper edge of the icon is written in Church Slavonic script:
“Portrait of the venerable holy fathers of the Kiev Cave Monastery”
Good state of preservation with some color changes in the lower margin.
A rare collector’s item!