Russian Artist, Orthodox Minei Menaion Icon with Saints and Feast Days, 19th Century, Tempera on Panel

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19th Century Russian Orthodox Minei (Menaion) Icon with Saints and Feast Days. This exceptional 19th-century Russian Orthodox Minei (Menaion) icon … Read more 19th Century Russian Orthodox Minei (Menaion) Icon with Saints and Feast Days. This exceptional 19th-century Russian Orthodox Minei (Menaion) icon illustrates the liturgical calendar of saints and feast days for a given month. Rich in iconographic detail and spiritual significance, this type of icon served both as an object of devotion and as a visual guide to the annual cycle of commemorations in the Orthodox Church. The composition features numerous saints arranged horizontally against a luminous gold background, each figure carefully painted according to traditional Orthodox iconographic conventions. Each saint is depicted with distinctive attributes and inscriptions, creating a harmonious and highly detailed sacred composition that reflects the richness of Orthodox liturgical tradition. Minei icons were intended to commemorate the saints and religious feast days celebrated during a particular month, making them important objects of devotion in churches, monasteries, and private iconographies. Their complex compositions demanded highly skilled iconographers, capable of depicting dozens of individual figures while maintaining a balanced and unified whole. Executed in tempera on a wooden panel, this icon testifies to the refined craftsmanship characteristic of 19th-century Russian workshops. The brilliant gold background enhances the spiritual atmosphere of the composition, symbolizing the heavenly realm and emphasizing the sacred nature of the figures depicted. A remarkable example of Russian Orthodox religious art, this icon is ideal for a collection of Russian icons, ecclesiastical antiquities, museum-quality devotional objects, or Eastern Christian art. Origin: Russia Period: 19th century Materials: Tempera and gilding on a wooden panel Subject: Icon of the Minei (Meneion) with saints and religious festivals Dimensions: Height: 32 cm Width: 26 cm Condition: Good condition. Wear, craquelure, and minor surface scratches consistent with age and religious use. Beautiful antique patina, well-preserved gilding, and finely painted figures. Keywords: Florin Antiques See less