SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST

Creator(s): Unknown

Currently in storage

About this object

This monumental church icon of Saint John the Evangelist, in which he holds an open Gospel, illustrates the tradition of simple lines, intense colors, and rhythmic forms associated with Russian icon painting's "Golden Age," from about 1400 to 1650. Painted about 1550, this icon stands at the threshold of a new era of momentous social and political change, a time when Russia came into greater contact with the artistic and religious traditions of the West.

Icon represents a three-quarter length figure of an Apostle. He is turned towards the right and holds an open Gospel which is opened to the verse, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John I:I). He has a long beard touched with white and a high forehead. He wears a green himation over a red underrobe. The board has a carved central recess, and a linen layer is visible beneath the damaged areas of white gesso. The remainds of four cartouches inscribed with the saint's name are faintly discernible on either side of his head.

Object name:

SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST

Made from:

Tempera on wood with gilding

Made in:

Russia

Date made:

ca. 1550

Size:

90.5 × 69.2 cm (35 5/8 × 27 1/4 in.)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:

54.58

Class:

ICON

Signature marks:

INSCRIPTION on top: St. John in Cyrillic

Credit line:

Gift of Madame Augusto Rosso, 1968