Russian icon of Saint Pantaleon, 19th century, 14x12 in
Russian icon of Saint Pantaleon, 19th century, 14x12 in.
Saint Pantaleon was born in Nicomedia in the 2nd century AD and became a physician. He was instructed in the Christian faith by the priest Ermelaus, who taught him the importance of healing both bodies and souls. According to tradition, he miraculously restored the sight of a blind senator through prayer and the sign of the cross; thereafter he distributed his possessions to the poor and treated the sick, asking only that they believe in Ch...
Info and features
Russian icon of Saint Pantaleon, 19th century, 14x12 in.
Saint Pantaleon was born in Nicomedia in the 2nd century AD and became a physician. He was instructed in the Christian faith by the priest Ermelaus, who taught him the importance of healing both bodies and souls. According to tradition, he miraculously restored the sight of a blind senator through prayer and the sign of the cross; thereafter he distributed his possessions to the poor and treated the sick, asking only that they believe in Christ.
The envy of other physicians led to his denunciation to Emperor Maximilian. After enduring tortures from which he emerged miraculously unharmed, he was ultimately condemned and beheaded. Saint Pantaleon is venerated today as the patron of physicians and midwives, alongside Saints Cosmas and Damian, and is counted among the Fourteen Holy Helpers invoked against illnesses.
The icon is executed in the traditional Russian technique of egg tempera on a panel prepared with levkas, an ancient workshop method handed down in icon-painting studios and characterised by entirely manual work that makes each piece unique.
Accompanied by an elegant blue velvet case.
Provenance: Moscow, Russia.
Technique: Egg tempera.
Materials: wood, levkas.
Dimensions: 13.9x12.1 in.
Period: mid 19th century.