Icon - Wood, Alloy - Saint Basil the Great

Russian Orthodox icon depicting Saint Basil the Great

This Russian Orthodox icon depicts Saint Basil the Great (c. 329–379), one of the most important Fathers and theologians of the Eastern Orthodox Church and Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia.

Saint Basil is represented frontally in full length, wearing richly ornamented episcopal vestments and an omophorion. He raises his right hand in a gesture of blessing while holding a liturgical Gospel book in his left hand. His long beard and hierarchical vestments are characteristic of his traditional Orthodox iconography.

Saint Basil the Great was an influential fourth-century theologian, monastic leader and defender of Orthodox doctrine. He is also traditionally associated with the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great, which remains celebrated on specific days of the Orthodox liturgical year. His importance as one of the great Fathers of the Church made his image a frequent subject of Russian Orthodox icon painting.

The saint is painted against a dark reddish-brown ground, with the figure defined by finely drawn ornamental details in the vestments. The icon is housed in a substantial metallic oklad/riza, with a broad gilded-looking border and an additional small representation of Christ or a saint mounted in the upper section.

The icon shows significant age-related wear, losses and deterioration, particularly to the painted surface and the metal covering. There are numerous small losses and abrasions to the paint layer, while the metal oklad is visibly aged, dented and worn. The condition should therefore be considered consistent with an old icon that has undergone wear and restoration over time.
Please study all photographs carefully for the condition of the object.