Travel icon - Brass - Saints Antipas, Florus

19th-century Russian-brass travel icon with blue enamel – Saint Antipas, Florus and Laurus

A remarkable antique Russian Orthodox travel icon, made from cast brass and decorated with remnants of deep blue enamel. The icon presumably dates from the 19th century and shows three richly worked saints: Saint Antipas of Pergamon, flanked by the martyrs Florus and Laurus.

The depiction is recognizable by the three standing figures and the Old Church Slavonic inscription above their heads. On the left stands Antipas with a cross as a sign of his martyrdom. Beside him stand the bearded brothers Florus and Laurus, each with a halo and dressed in long pleated robes. Similar Russian metal icons with exactly these three saints are known from the 18th and 19th centuries and were made from a copper alloy with enamel decoration.

Antipas was according to Orthodox tradition the bishop of Pergamon and died as a martyr in the first century. In Russia he was invoked for toothache, among other things. Florus and Laurus were early Christian brothers and martyrs. In Russian folk devotion they gained a special significance as protectors of horses and other livestock. According to legend, a severe horse plague ended after their relics were recovered.

On the left side there are two hinge parts. This indicates that the icon was originally part of a multi-piece, foldable travel icon, in Russian also called a skladen or sklad. Such compact icons were carried by believers and pilgrims during travels and used for personal devotion.

The deep blue enamel forms a beautiful contrast with the warm gold-colored brass. The relief ensures that faces, halos, robes, hands and the cross remain clearly recognizable despite the modest size. The irregular cast edges and the well-worn surface give the object a pronounced historical character.

The icon is in authentic antique condition with clear signs of age and use. The blue enamel is damaged or missing in several places. Furthermore there is wear, scratches, patina, discolorations and slight distortions at the edges. The hinge parts are present, but the other panels of the original foldable icon are missing. Please examine the photos carefully; they form an important part of the description.

The pictured euro coin is shown solely to illustrate scale and is not part of the lot.

Features:

* Antique Russian Orthodox travel icon
* Probably 19th century
* Made of cast brass
* Remnants of deep blue enamel
* Depiction of Antipas, Florus and Laurus
* Old Church Slavonic inscriptions
* Three standing saints with halos
* Antipas shown with martyr’s cross
* Florus and Laurus as protector saints of horses
* Two original hinge parts present
* Likely a panel from a foldable travel icon
* Authentic patina and clear signs of age
* Enamel with visible loss and damage

A rare and characterful religious collectible in which Russian Orthodox faith tradition, folk devotion and historical metalwork come together beautifully.

Dimensions
Height 5.5 cm
Width 5.5 cm
Depth 0.5 cm

The photos give a clear impression of quality and form part of the description.

During the holiday period, in August, shipping may take longer than usual; after payment, up to 12 working days.

The item will be well packed and shipped with tracking. Shipping costs also include packing materials and transportation. Pickup is possible only when the lot is auctioned for more than €50 and, of course, by appointment during office hours.

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