A monumental icon from an iconostasis showing the Holy Martyrs Florus and Laurus.

189 - A monumental icon from an iconostasis showing the Holy Martyrs Florus and Laurus.

A monumental icon from an iconostasis showing the Holy Martyrs Florus and Laurus. Symmetrically composed scene. In the middle of the composition St. Michael with outstretched wings is portrayed frontal, Sts. Florus and Laurus at his sides with their hands extended in prayer. The Archangel hands the brothers the reins of two saddled white horses and confers on them the gift of power over the animals. In the foreground, three horsemen take their horses to water. The icon is executed in pastel colours, mainly green, red and white. The figures portrayed with ochre and cinnabar nuances. Against a stylized architectural view and a rocky landscape. 91,5 x 72 cm. The twin brothers Florus and Laurus, who worked as masons and builders, were especially venerated as the "horsemen" saints. According to the Greek life of the saints, they were martyred for their Christian faith in Illyria in the second century. They were the patron saints of horses, to whom it was customary to pray to be "saved from falling from a horse". The herd of horses depicted at a watering place in the lower half of the icon are entrusted to the patronage of the three other martyred brothers; Speusippus, Eleusippus and Meleusippus. Like Florus and Laurus, they were venerated in Northern Rus' as saintly horsemen and horse breeders. Like other icons on this subject, the work reflects specific features of the celebration of the martyrs' feast day on 18 August, named the "horses holy day" in Rus' when it was forbidden to work with these animals. On this feast day, the herd of horses were well fed and driven down to the river to drink and swim, as shown in the lower part of the icon.

Russland, um 1700

Catalogueprice: 18000 €

Bidding-Manager

If you are unable to attend the auction in person, we will be happy to execute written bids on your behalf. Absentee bids should be returned to us at least 24 hours before the sale. When we execute an absentee bid on your behalf, the lot will always be bought for the lowest increment that exceeds all competing bids and which meets or exceeds the reserve price. In the event of identical bids, the earliest received will take precedence. Successful absentee bidders will receive an invoice after the auction. By sending your bid you agree that you have read and understand our conditions of sale and wish to be bound by them.