Ancient Russian icon, 18th century, Acheiropoieta, 18x15 in
Ancient Russian icon, 18th century, Acheiropoieta, 18x15 in.
Ancient Russian icon depicting the Acheiropoieta, the Holy Face of Jesus.
Created in the late 18th century, this icon reproduces the sacred image of the Face of Christ, known as Acheiropoieta, meaning "not painted by human hand". According to tradition, the first version of this icon was given by Christ himself to King Abgar of Edessa, who desired a portrait or a miraculous healing. Jesus imprinted his features on a linen veil, the M...
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Ancient Russian icon, 18th century, Acheiropoieta, 18x15 in.
Ancient Russian icon depicting the Acheiropoieta, the Holy Face of Jesus.
Created in the late 18th century, this icon reproduces the sacred image of the Face of Christ, known as Acheiropoieta, meaning "not painted by human hand". According to tradition, the first version of this icon was given by Christ himself to King Abgar of Edessa, who desired a portrait or a miraculous healing. Jesus imprinted his features on a linen veil, the Mandylion, originating the oldest image of the Holy Face.
The Saviour's icon not painted by human hand was brought from Edessa to Constantinople in 944, where it remained until the raid of 1204 by the crusaders. Later, the sacred image reached Rome and was venerated in the Vatican with the title of Veronica, as "true icon".
In Orthodox tradition, this image is celebrated on August 16, during the feast of Saviour's icon notcreated by human hands, and on the first Sunday of Lent, known as the Triumph of Orthodoxy, marking the victory of image veneration over the iconoclasts.
Origin: Northern Russia.
Technique: egg tempera on wood with levkas preparation.
Dimensions: 17.6x14.9 in.
Period: late 18th century.
Inspired by the Byzantine prototype, the icon represents the Holy Face as a model for all depictions of Christ in Orthodox tradition. Its protective function often made it present in imperial military standards and processional labaras.
The icon is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, attesting to its origin and historical value, along with a detailed description of its importance in Christian tradition.