Ancient Russian icon January Menologion, 18th century, 35x30 cm
This is an antique Russian icon depicting the Menologion for the month of January, originating from Moscow, Russia, and dating to the 19th century. The piece measures 35.4 x 30.7 cm and is created in egg tempera on wood, prepared with a *levkas* (gesso) ground.
A Menologion is a specific type of Orthodox icon that gathers depictions of saints and major religious observances, arranged according to the liturgical calendar. The term, derived from Greek, refers to a collection of commemorations and l...
Info and features
This is an antique Russian icon depicting the Menologion for the month of January, originating from Moscow, Russia, and dating to the 19th century. The piece measures 35.4 x 30.7 cm and is created in egg tempera on wood, prepared with a *levkas* (gesso) ground.
A Menologion is a specific type of Orthodox icon that gathers depictions of saints and major religious observances, arranged according to the liturgical calendar. The term, derived from Greek, refers to a collection of commemorations and lives of the saints, organized by month and day. The tradition of menological icons developed during the Byzantine era and became widespread in Russia, where such works served to accompany prayer and provide a daily reminder of the figures venerated by the Orthodox Church. In Russian churches, it was customary to display icons of the liturgical calendar on lecterns or near the entrances, with the icons being changed each month. Other compositions encompassed the entire ecclesiastical year which, in the Orthodox tradition, begins in September and concludes in August. This religious icon features the saints and religious events commemorated during the month of January, organized into registers following the sequence of the calendar. The first register includes depictions of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the Baptism of Christ, while twelve images of the Mother of God appear along the sides of the composition, further enriching the iconographic program. The inclusion of numerous sacred figures and scenes makes this Menologion a complex representation of Orthodox spirituality, in which the commemoration of saints is interwoven with episodes from the life of Christ and highly venerated images of the Virgin Mary. The piece is delivered with an expert appraisal and a velvet-lined presentation case, which complete its documentation and display. Origin: Moscow, Russia
Period: 19th century
Technique: Egg tempera
Materials: Wood and *levkas* (gesso ground)
Dimensions: 35.4 x 30.7 cm
Subject: Menologion for the month of January, featuring saints, liturgical scenes, and twelve images of the Mother of God
Includes: Expert appraisal and a velvet-lined presentation case.