Late 18th-century Double-sided Romanian Icon, Three Holy Hierarchs & the Baptism of Christ - Tempera on Panel

Name: Late 18th-century Double-sided Romanian Icon, Three Holy Hierarchs & the Baptism of Christ - Tempera on Panel
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1140696
Availability: SoldOut

18th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This intriguing late 18th-century double-sided Romanian icon depicts the ‘Three Holy Hierarchs’ & the baptism of Christ. It’s a fascinating survivor.

Rendered in tempera and gold leaf on a wooden panel, double-sided icons, such as this from around 1790, were often suspended from liturgical polycandela (candelabras) and swung by the clergy. They were popular in Orthodox churches, such as those in the Balkans and Greece.

On one side, we see the ‘Three Holy Hierarchs’, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom, influential bishops, highly venerated for their roles in shaping early Christian theology. While on the other, there’s a depiction of the baptism whereby Jesus is humbly standing in the Jordan River in the presence of an angel. John is dressed in simple garments and holding a staff.

Icons were (and indeed still are) considered as ‘windows to heaven’, essentially conduits between one’s prayers and God. They were often the product of provincial workshops and intended to connect the viewer with the divine. Transylvanian muralist, Simion Silaghi Zugravu, is one of the better-known figures working in this field during the period. It’s interesting to compare ours with his Baptism of the Lord, from 1776, which is currently at the Manastireni Church in Cluj County.

The rendering of the pronounced joints - elbows, knees, and shoulders etc, is particularly unusual, and we’ve been able to find just one comparable example. It was described as late 18th century, ‘post-Brâncovenant school, probably Oltenia’.

Medium: Tempera and gilt on panel

Overall size: 7” x 8½” / 18cm x 22cm

Year of creation: c. 1790

Provenance: Private collection, France.

Condition: Lightly cleaned. Unrestored due to the potential cultural significance of this piece. Conservation can be undertaken at no cost following discussion. Craquelure in areas, various losses and areas of discolouration, partially due to handling.

Our reference: BRV2152

Physical Dimensions

Height

22cm (8.66")

Width

18cm (7.09")

Depth

1cm (0.39")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1140696

Description

This intriguing late 18th-century double-sided Romanian icon depicts the ‘Three Holy Hierarchs’ & the baptism of Christ. It’s a fascinating survivor.

“

Rendered in tempera and gold leaf on a wooden panel, double-sided icons, such as this from around 1790, were often suspended from liturgical polycandela (candelabras) and swung by the clergy.

Brave Fine Art

They were popular in Orthodox churches, such as those in the Balkans and Greece.

fig 1. Late 18th-Century Double-Sided Romanian Icon, Three Holy Hierarchs & The Baptism Of Christ - Tempera on Panel — fig 1. Late 18th-century Double-sided Romanian Icon, Three Holy Hierarchs & the Baptism of Christ - Tempera on Panel

On one side, we see the ‘Three Holy Hierarchs’, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom, influential bishops, highly venerated for their roles in shaping early Christian theology. While on the other, there’s a depiction of the baptism whereby Jesus is humbly standing in the Jordan River in the presence of an angel. John is dressed in simple garments and holding a staff.

fig 2. Late 18th-Century Double-Sided Romanian Icon, Three Holy Hierarchs & The Baptism Of Christ - Tempera on Panel — fig 2. Late 18th-century Double-sided Romanian Icon, Three Holy Hierarchs & the Baptism of Christ - Tempera on Panel

Icons were (and indeed still are) considered as ‘windows to heaven’, essentially conduits between one’s prayers and God. They were often the product of provincial workshops and intended to connect the viewer with the divine. Transylvanian muralist, Simion Silaghi Zugravu, is one of the better-known figures working in this field during the period. It’s interesting to compare ours with his Baptism of the Lord, from 1776, which is currently at the Manastireni Church in Cluj County.

fig 3. Late 18th-Century Double-Sided Romanian Icon, Three Holy Hierarchs & The Baptism Of Christ - Tempera on Panel — fig 3. Late 18th-century Double-sided Romanian Icon, Three Holy Hierarchs & the Baptism of Christ - Tempera on Panel

The rendering of the pronounced joints - elbows, knees, and shoulders etc, is particularly unusual, and we’ve been able to find just one comparable example. It was described as late 18th century, ‘post-Brâncovenant school, probably Oltenia’.

fig 4. Late 18th-Century Double-Sided Romanian Icon, Three Holy Hierarchs & The Baptism Of Christ - Tempera on Panel — fig 4. Late 18th-century Double-sided Romanian Icon, Three Holy Hierarchs & the Baptism of Christ - Tempera on Panel

Medium: Tempera and gilt on panel

Overall size: 7” x 8½” / 18cm x 22cm

Year of creation: c. 1790

Provenance: Private collection, France.

Condition: Lightly cleaned. Unrestored due to the potential cultural significance of this piece. Conservation can be undertaken at no cost following discussion. Craquelure in areas, various losses and areas of discolouration, partially due to handling.

Our reference: BRV2152