"Saint Warrior Demetrius of Thessalonica."

Circa 1800. Volga region.
Size: 34,7 x 26,5 cm.
Technique & Material: Board with the ark, silver leaf, egg tempera, drying oil.

Description: Demetrius of Thessalonica - Christian saint, revered in the face of the martyrs. Demetrius was the son of Roman proconsul in Thessaloniki. His parents were secret Christians, baptized their son in the house church and brought up in accordance with Christian principles. After the death of Demetrius's father he was appointed by the emperor Galerius in his father's place. After receiving the appointment, Demetrius proved himself as an open Christian and was preaching in the city and converted to Christianity many of its inhabitants.

News about activities of Demetrius came to the emperor, and when he was returning from the war against the Slavic tribes, Maximilian stayed in Thessaloniki. Before that, Demetrius instructed his servant to distribute his property to the poor, and according to the hagiography he "began to pray and fast, preparing thus to the crown of martyrdom." When Demetrius was brought to the court to the emperor, he confessed himself a Christian and was imprisoned. After a few days the gladiatorial games were arranged in the city. In this games the imperial favorite and the best fighter Lyi was defeating many opponents, including urban Christians, which were forced to fight with him. Christian Nestor was also attending in this game and with the blessing of Demetrius came into the bout and dropped Lyi from the platform into spears. In anger, the emperor ordered to execute Nestor immediately, and executed Demetrius the next morning.

Demetrius was Born in 270 from the Nativity in Thessaloniki and was executed in 304 from the Nativity Thessaloniki. He is revered in the Catholic and Orthodox Church

Iconography:

"Miracle of Tsar Kaloyan death" - an episode of the life of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica . According to the biography of the saint, that was retold by Dimitry of Rostov, in 1207 Saint Demetrius miraculously appeared in front of Tsar Kaloyan and pierced him with a spear, causing the villain died. 

In this icon Demetrius depicted on horseback, which pierces Kaloyan with a spear.

There are also Saints Mary and Timothy on the icon fields - heavenly patrons of people who has presented this icon or those people who were gifted this icon or who ordered this icon

The classic style of an ancient Russian icon painting. The detailed and narrative composition of the icon. This is very rare icon and rare story. This icon has a high antique and collectible value.

Practically perfect state of preservation. Light scuff on the silver background.

Provenance: Family from the Tartu city. 2016

Please ask for the additional information and provenance.

High Resolution Images: fragments.
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Cв. Воин Дмитрий Солоунский.
Около 1800 года. Поволжье.
Размер: 34,7 x 26,5 см.

Доска с ковчегом ,сусальное серебро, яичная темпера, олифа.              
High Resolution Images: fragments.
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