Object ID
2001.37.1
Object Name
Icon
Date Created
1861
Medium
Paint
Material
Velvet; Wood
Object Entities
Andreas, (is related to)
Kodros, . (is related to)
Christopher, St. (is related to)
Object Description
Framed Icon of St. Christopher. the frame itself is bordered with carved, gold tinted leaf designs that go all the way around it. Inside the frame is green velvet material lining the inside. Mounted in the center of the piece is a wooden blocks with the depiction of St. Christopher. Parts of the paint have been covered in some substance and are unrecognizable. The saint is holding a rod in his left hand and two of the fingers on that hand are extended. he wears green robes with a red cape and in his right hand is a banner with wording on it that reads "This struggle we are celebrating lord unharmed forever". There is another inscription that reads "Deification of Christopher" as well as a year "1861" This is all in Byzantium Greek. At the saint's right side, hovering just behind his head is a small man figure, possibly Christ. Both have halos. The background consists of a flat green surface and a gold tinted sky. The paint is metallic and has a luster. The piece is covered with some sort of finishing coat. The back of the frame has a single wire tied to two metal eyelets near the top for hanging. There is a brown paper covering the covers the entire back side and at the top right hand side there is a faded read number that reads "#1978" as well as a small rip.
Origin
In Christian orthodox faith, Christopher was a martyr who died under Decius. He is patron Saint of travelers, among other things, and his name translates to "Christ-Bearer" as he is said to have carried the Christ child for a time in his legend; the child being unnaturally heavy because he carried the weight of the world. Saint Christopher's feast day is July 25th.
Rights and Reproduction
The content on this site is made available for research and education purposes only. The use of these materials may be restricted by law or the donor.

Any other use, such as exhibition, publication, or commercial use, is not allowed except by written permission in accordance with the NHM Image Rights and Reproduction Policy.

For questions on image rights and reproduction, please contact nhmcollections@hellenicmuseum.org
Citation
Icon, 1861, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/10534. Accessed 03/29/24.