ICON OF SAINT BASIL THE GREAT. RUSSIA, 19TH CENTURY

An antique Russian icon depicting Saint Basil the Great, executed in the traditions of 19th-century Russian icon painting. The icon is distinguished by its solemn frontal composition, expressive colour palette and meticulously rendered episcopal vestments.

The saint is depicted full-length, wearing richly ornamented episcopal robes. His head is crowned with a blue mitre embellished with gold decoration, while a long dark beard frames his austere and contemplative face. A pinkish-purple omophorion adorned with crosses is draped over his deep blue vestments, signifying his episcopal rank. The lower part of the robes is enriched with foliate ornament, gilt detailing and decorative borders.

With one hand, the saint gathers his vestments at his chest, while in the other he holds a bishop`s staff with a pale protective cloth (sulok). At his side hangs a diamond-shaped epigonation (palitsa), bearing a miniature sacred image and edged with gilt fringe.

The figure of the saint stands against a golden background displaying extensive signs of age. The lower section of the composition depicts a stylised interior with a stone-tiled floor rendered in muted grey-green tones.

The painting is characterised by finely delineated drapery, elongated proportions and an expressive combination of rich blues, pinks and golden-ochre hues. The icon is painted on a wooden panel.

Materials and Technique: Wood panel, gesso, probably tempera, gilding, painted highlights.

Dimensions: 31.8 × 27.2 cm.

Condition: Natural signs of age. Extensive wear to the golden background, numerous surface scratches, localised losses to the paint layer and wear along the edges of the panel. The figure of the saint and the principal details of his vestments remain clearly legible.