Item 51
Saint Sergiy of Radonezh
19th century
Egg tempera on wood panel
11” x 13”
James and Tatiana Jackson Collection

Here is seen the much loved and popular Saint Sergiy, founder of the famous Holy Trinity Monastery, north of Moscow. He holds a censor and stands before his deceased parents the Venerable Kyril and Maria. His parents both died in the same year, shortly after they had entered the monastic life. This icon is a good example of what might be called a peasant icon. In lieu of an expensive, finely painted icon decorated with a genuine sterling silver covering, this icon would have to suffice for those with a meager budget. The painting itself is somewhat provincial in rendering and is decorated with inexpensive tin foil and cloth flowers. These bright and shiny icons were much loved and well cared for. Icons such as this example were a glowing light of inspiration and happiness in a world of continued hardship for the Russian peasant.