This icon is supposed to have been painted by Saint Luke. It was probably created in the early 11th century. The Emperor Alexius I Commenus presented it as a gift in 1082 to the Kykkos monastery on Cyprus. The Christ Child sits on his mother’s right arm, his legs dangling. She holds her Son’s left arm with her left hand. The Christ Child holds an opened scroll in his left hand.
Size: 28 x 35 cm ●
The suffering Virgin with the Christ Child, with references in the top corners to the crucifixion: the cross with crown of thorns, the lance and the stake with the sponge. In the Western churches this icon is revered as the “Our Lady of everlasting relief”.
Size 27 x 35 cm ●
This icon originates from the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi and depicts the creation of Adam in the top right-hand corner. Below it, Adam is shown naming the various animals.
It is a unique icon depicting animals which do not exist in the real world.
The edges are beautifully decorated with gold assist.
Size: 29 x 35 cm. ●
This icon from the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi is a transitional work in style and expression. The painter was probably familiar with the aesthetic West European Renaissance, which followed the Byzantine tradition.
The background has an unusual form and scenes are used that took place in different times in history.
The painter was clearly highly skilled in painting icons, softening the customary features of the traditional likeness while preserving the facial expressions.
Size: 28 x 35 cm. ●
Christ, dressed in priestly robes, is shown in a frontal, half-profile pose. He is depicted as the King of Kings.
In his left hand he holds an open book, his right hand is raised in blessing.
Size: 28 x 35 cm.
A favourite icon in Russia since the 17th century, especially among the Old Believers. In his right hand he holds the cross of blessing and in his left hand the sword (symbol of protection). As a separate pictorial motif, the depiction was first seen in the Christian East in the late Middle Ages. Psalm 91:11-12 says: ‘For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways’
Size: 58 x 34 cm. ●
Saint Catherine is depicted in royal robes, with books and measuring instruments. The wheel is a symbol of the torment before her beheading. The cross and palm branch are references to her martyrdom. Saint Catherine’s monastery in the Sinai is named after her and according to the tradition her corpse was brought to this monastery from Alexandria.
Size: 27 x 35 cm.
The Mother of God holds her head slightly bowed and has the Christ child on her right hand. The Jesus Child is looking at the Mother of God, has a closed scroll in his right hand and holds his Mother’s chin with the left hand.The depiction is often shown in reverse. The Greek word glykophilousa means ‘gently loving, sweetly kissing: ‘vsysgranie in Russian means ‘playing with the child’.
Size: 27 x 35 cm.●
The Golden Gate in Jerusalem was a meeting place for Anna and Joachim. This icon is also called ‘The tender meeting’; the name ‘The conception of Mary’ was sometimes used.
Size: 20 x 24 cm.●
A favourite icon in Russia since the 17th century, especially among the Old Believers. In his right hand the cross of blessing and in his left hand the sword (symbol of protection).
As an independent pictorial motif the depiction first finds its way to the Christian East in the late middle ages.
Psalm 91 verse 11 says: ‘For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.’
Size: 50 x 24 cm.●