Traditional Russian icon on gessoed gold leafed panel, "jeweled" with enamel accents. In a kiota. Measures approx. 8-1/2" x 6-5/8"; framed overall approx. 12" x 10-1/4". This subject is taken from the story of Edessus king Abgar. He had been badly ill and sent an ambassador artist to Christ asking for help. The artist who had arrived with the embassy tried to paint the portrait of Christ without success. Christ helped him by washing His face and drying it with a sudarium. His Uncreated Image appeared on the cloth. The Holy Image had been transported to Edessa and became the protector of the city. Further legends relate that the cloth remained in Edessa until the 10th Century, when it was taken to Constantinople. In 1204 it was lost when Constantinople was sacked by Crusaders. The fast is on 16(29) August.
2,000/3,000
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