Russian Icon of Saint Joasaph of Belgorod, After 1911

Description

Russian Icon of Saint Joasaph of Belgorod, After 1911.

A Russian icon depicting Saint Joasaph, Bishop of Belgorod, in full episcopal vestments, standing frontally within an architectural interior. The saint is shown as a hierarch, wearing a blue sakkos with floral ornament, an omophorion, episcopal mitre and medallion panagia.

In his right hand he holds a blessing cross; in his left hand, a staff with a green veil. In the upper left corner Christ Pantocrator appears in a cloud mandorla, blessing the saint and holding the Gospel.

The border is richly decorated with gilded relief ornament, imitating the effect of an enamelled or jewelled frame. Scrolling foliage, dark blue reserves, green and turquoise accents, and rows of small pearl-like beads create a festive ornamental setting.

Saint Joasaph of Belgorod, who died in 1754, was one of the venerated Russian hierarchs of the 18th century. His official glorification by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1911 led to wider dissemination of his icons. The present image belongs to the context of this renewed veneration in the early 20th century.

Origin:
Central Russia.

Period:
After 1911.

Subject:
Saint Joasaph, Bishop of Belgorod.

Material:
Wood, gesso, oil.

Technique:
Gilding, painted ornament, applied decorative pastiglia.

Inscription:
Lower cartouche: “Св. Iоасафъ Еп. Белгород…”

Dimensions:
31.2 × 27 × 3 cm.

Weight:
Not provided.

Condition:
Age-related wear, craquelure, surface marks and losses to the painted and gilded decoration. The condition is shown in the photographs.