Russian icon Saint Antipas patron, Saint of dentists 19th century, 26x22 cm

Ancient Russian icon depicting the patron saint of dentists, the martyr bishop Antipas. Saint Antipas of Pergamon is revered as the protector saint against toothaches and the patron saint of dentists. He was highly venerated by the Russian people for relieving dental pains, and even tsars Ivan the Terrible and Alexei Michaelovich made generous donations to the church dedicated to him, built in the 16th century near the Moscow Kremlin. Martyred in the 1st century during Nero's reign, Saint Antipas, a disciple of John the Theologian, served as the bishop of the Christian church in Pergamon. Refusing to renounce the Christian faith and offer sacrifices to pagan gods, he was martyred by being burned in a brazen bull at the temple of the goddess Artemis. His disciples secretly buried his body, and in the 5th century, a temple was erected on the site of his burial. Numerous miraculous healings, especially related to toothaches, have been attributed to his relics. Saint Antipas' feast day, celebrated on April 18/24, is an occasion to pray for healing from dental and gum diseases. The orthodox icon is delivered in an elegant blue velvet case and accompanied by an appraisal from a specialized expert. Origin: Moscow. Technique: egg tempera. Materials: wood, levkas. Actual measurements: 26x22.5 cm. Period: early 19th century