Russian icon of Saint Antipas, patron saint of dentists, 19th century, 10x9 in
Russian icon of Saint Antipas, patron saint of dentists, 19th century, 10x9 in.
Antique Russian icon depicting the patron saint of dentists, the martyr bishop Antipas.
Saint Antipas of Pergamon is revered as the patron saint against toothaches and the patron saint of dentists. The Russian people invoked him to alleviate dental pains, and even the czars Ivan the Terrible and Alexis Mikhailovich made generous donations to the church dedicated to him, built in the 16th century near the Moscow Kremlin...
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Russian icon of Saint Antipas, patron saint of dentists, 19th century, 10x9 in.
Antique Russian icon depicting the patron saint of dentists, the martyr bishop Antipas.
Saint Antipas of Pergamon is revered as the patron saint against toothaches and the patron saint of dentists. The Russian people invoked him to alleviate dental pains, and even the czars Ivan the Terrible and Alexis Mikhailovich made generous donations to the church dedicated to him, built in the 16th century near the Moscow Kremlin.
Martyred in the 1st century during the reign of Nero, Saint Antipas was a disciple of John the Theologian and bishop of the Christian church in Pergamon. He was martyred for refusing to renounce the Christian faith and offer sacrifices to pagan deities, burnt in a bronze ox at the temple of the goddess Artemis.
His disciples secretly buried his body, and in the 5th century, a temple was erected on the site of his burial. Many miraculous healings, especially related to dental pains, have been attributed to his relics.
Saint Antipas’ feast day, celebrated on April 18/24, is an occasion to pray for healing from dental and gum diseases.
The icon is delivered in an elegant blue velvet case accompanied by an evaluation conducted by a specialised expert.
Origin: Moscow, Russia.
Technique: egg tempera.
Materials: wood, levkas.
Actual dimensions: 10.2x8.9 in.
Era: early 19th century.
