St. Athanasius
Type:
Icon
Period:
From
the beginning of the
18 century
to
the end of the
18 century
Dimmensions (cm):
126
/ 77.5
Location
Country: Bulgaria
Province: Sofia
Town: Sofia
Museum: National History Museum
Source
Country: Bulgaria
Other source: Others
Object identification notes
The icon is an example of official mid-18th century art when baroque was made a large use of in the intricate organization of folds and drapes on the clothes that made the fabric look alive in its own dynamic situation, insubordinate to the form which covers. That trend originated in Mount Athos and very quickly became fashionable and spread in the art of the other Orthodox Balkan peoples.
Description
St Athanasius the Great, Archbishop of Alexandria, is depicted full size and full face, with characteristic facial features, as described in the iconography manuals, sitting on a throne. A long stole with crosses and ornaments can be seen over the blue phelonion in addition to a pallium with lavish geometric patterns. The light sakkos with pink shades has a stylized floral motif all over. The golden crosses on the white omophorion are inscribed in rhombic medallions. St Athanasius blesses with one of his hands and holds a closed gospel in his other hand. He sits on a red pillow; his feet rest on a light-reddish stool. The gold throne with a high backrest and legs is lavishly decorated with exquisite columns, carving and gorgeous baroque details throughout the surface.
Iconographical technique: Tempera
Base material: Wood
The icon has an inset base.
State, restoration traces and comments
Broad profiled frame in red and golden. The background is golden above and olive-green beneath.
