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Great Martyr St. George, venerated by the Orthodox Church, is the patron saint of Moscow (and also of England and many other countries), and is also a military saint. The most famous act attributed to St. George is that of slaying the Dragon that lived in a lake near Silena, Libya. By defeating this creature with one fierce strike of his lance, he simultaneously rescued the princess Elizabeth. St. George then preached to and converted the citizens and distributed his reward to the poor. Once prosperous Novgorod kept her independence until 1478, when its importance was overtaken by Moscow. Novgorod is special in the history of Russia because it was a republic governed by a veche, a democratic assembly roughly analogous to a parliament. Princely rule was reserved for special times, such as when a military leader was needed to fight enemies. Some of Novgorod's most famous churches and cathedrals are the Cathedral of St. Sophia (1045- 1050), the Nikolo-Dvorishchensky Cathedral (1113) and the Cathedral of Saint George in the Yuriev Monastery (1119). In the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries, Novgorod produced great works of Russian art, best represented by the paintings of Theophanes the Greek (Feofan Grek). Important features of the style include bright colors, complexity, liveliness and graphic quality. At the end of the 15th century Novgorod receeded as Moscow's political influence dominated and the Novgorodian artists relocated. Hand painted using tempera, lacquer and free-hand gold border decoration. 5" x 7". Inscription in Russian: "Miracle of St. George. Novgorodian Icon, 15th century." |
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Inscription in Russian: "Miracle of St. George". Novgorod, 15th century (original). Hand painted using tempera, lacquer and free-hand gold border decoration. 5" x 7". |
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Novgorod, 15th century (original). Hand painted using tempera, lacquer and free-hand gold border decoration. 6" diameter. |
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Novgorod, 15th century (original). Hand painted using tempera, lacquer and free-hand gold border decoration.
6" diameter. Condition note: small chip was touched up at the top. Sold As Is. Special Price $139. |
The Russian Shop / Maison Russe