Object ID
2004.19.2
Object Name
Icon
Measurements
17.3050200000 cm. W x 19.52752 cm. L, Item (Overall)
Material
Glass; Metal; Wood
Object Entities
Brown, Helen (is related to)
Demetrios, St. (is related to)
Access Points
Object Description
Framed silver icon. It portrays a man on a horse with a spear with a cross on the end stabbing someone lying on the ground. There is an angel in the top right corner with a branch, and mountains in the background along with a tower. Behind the horse is clouds of dust. The top left corner of the picture has writing in Greek. There is a smaller frame inside of the bigger one, with a silver frame around the picture with crosses surrounded by a wooden frame. There is then another silver frame with flowers on it. This is all encased in a wooden frame.
Origin
This icon appears to be of Saint Demetrius (or Demetrios) of Thessaloniki. He is a militaristic saint from the Middle Ages. The man who he is depicted spearing is a gladiator by the name of Lyaeos, who was famed for killing many Christians. While Demetrius didn't personally kill Lyaeos, he was defeated by Nestor with the help of Demetrius' prayers. Demetrios was killed by Emperor Maximian, who was angered at the defeat of Lyaeos.
Rights and Reproduction
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Citation
Icon, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/7212. Accessed 04/24/24.