Lot number 2186 - Auction 151
GROSSFORMATIGE IKONE MIT DEM HEILIGEN JOHANNES DEM KRIEGER

A LARGE ICON OF SAINT JOHN THE WARRIOR Russian, Moscow, 1st third of the 17th century Single panel with two back sponki, verso covered with velvet. Kovcheg, egg tempera on levkas, partial silvering glazed in gold. This icon of Saint John the Warrior was created in the first third of the 17th century and belongs to the so-called 'mernye ikony' (measure icons), painted to the size of a newborn child and depicting its patron saint. John the Warrior, originally a little-known 4th-century martyr, came to be especially venerated in Russia as a helper of the poor, protector against thieves, and patron of soldiers. Stylistically, the work points to a Moscow master continuing the artistic traditions of the Godunov period. Although John was often associated with the Stroganov family, there is no evidence that this icon was commissioned by them. More likely, it was created for another distinguished aristocratic family of the court circle. Minor restorations. 50.3 x 21.8 cm.