"Believing Thomas" 18th century. Circa 1750. St. Petersburg
Size: 30,5 x 23 x 2cm Technique & Material: Board of elliptic shape, carved and gilded frame, gesso, tempera, drying oil
Description: One of the 12 Apostles, known as the "Twin", born in the Galilean city of Pansada According to a legend, he founded churches in Palestine, Mesopotamia, Ethiopia and India. Being pierced by 5 spears he passed away on the 76th year of life in India. His determination and loyalty to Christ were paradoxically blended with lack of trust. When Jesus headed into Judea for resurrection of Lazarus, a deadly danger was threatening Him and His apprentices: Thomas expressed firmness and said "and we will go with Him and will die with Him". But, when the resurrected Savior appeared to His apostles, Thomas doubted His revival. Christ allowed him to get his hand to the chest and feel the wounds, having said "Don’t doubt but believe".
Thomas replied in veneration "my Lord and my God". That moment is represented at the icon. The icon was painted for an iconostasis set of a home church by St. Petersburg icon-painter. The icon-painting is made in late baroque ‘palace’ stylistics and academically volumetric, open and emotional. Provenance: this image is connected to the aristocratic environment, and till the 1917th was located in a home church of a noble family. Details of provenance are available upon request. Especially rare subject for an Orthodox iconography. The icon has high collection significance. Ideal state of preservation
High Resolution Images: fragments.
Price: EUR 1 900.-