Icon - Saint John Chrysostom - Oak - Hand painted

Hand-Painted Icon on Oak Panel: Saint John Chrysostom – Egg Tempera & Mineral Pigments (20x20 cm)

Description

Offered for auction is a hand-painted icon depicting Saint John Chrysostom. A meticulously handcrafted replica of the famous 10th-century fresco. The original masterpiece was discovered in the Great Cathedral of Faras, Nubia (modern-day Sudan), and was miraculously salvaged in the 1960s before the historical site was permanently flooded by the waters of Lake Nasser. Today, the original piece is preserved in the Faras Gallery at the National Museum in Warsaw.
Artistic & Technical Details:
• Technique: Executed using traditional, historical painting techniques to faithfully replicate the texture, matte finish, and earthy tones characteristic of medieval Christian African wall paintings.
• Palette: Dominated by natural earth pigments, ochres, and deep tones, mirroring the unique visual vocabulary that blended strict Byzantine iconography with Nubian cultural expression.
• Aesthetics: Great care was taken to capture the profound, timeless gaze of the Saint, as well as the unique textured background imitating ancient plaster.
Epigraphy & Inscriptions (Ancient Greek):
The inscriptions on the borders have been faithfully reproduced using the specific historical abbreviations of the medieval era:
• Top inscription: Reads IWANNHC APXIEПICKOПOC KW — translating to John, Archbishop of Constantinople (utilizing the historical Byzantine abbreviation KW for Konstantinoupolis).
• Left & Right borders: Features the vertical text Ο ΑΓΙΟΣ ΧΡΥCΟCΤΟΜΟC — translating to Saint Chrysostom (The Golden-Mouthed).
Condition & Presentation:
• Condition: Excellent, newly finished.
• Ready for Display: This is a premium, unique piece for collectors of sacred art, Byzantine history, and Eastern Christian iconography.

Please note: For buyers outside the European Union, any custom duties, import taxes, or export certification fees requested by the courier/customs are the sole responsibility of the buyer."