Lot number 792 - Auction 161
A VERY FINE ICON OF THE FORTY MARTYRS OF SEBASTE

A VERY FINE ICON OF THE FORTY MARTYRS OF SEBASTE

Greek, 16th century

Tempera on wood panel with recessed central field. Gold ground. The Forty Martyrs of Sebaste were Roman soldiers persecuted for their Christian faith during the reign of Emperor Licinius. Having openly professed their Christianity, they were condemned by the local prefect to spend a night naked on a frozen lake. During the night, one of the soldiers faltered and sought refuge in a warm bath prepared for those who would renounce their faith. However, a guard on duty, moved by the steadfastness of the martyrs, joined them in an extraordinary act of faith, thus restoring their number to forty. The edges chipped. 28 x 22 cm.

Provenance: International Private Collection.

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