Bidspirit auction | Russian Icon depicting a Holy

Russian Icon depicting a Holy Monastic Hermit and a Holy Queen (Saint Barbara or Saint Catherine of Alexandria), Balkans, early 20th century - Tempera on panel Height x width x depth: 19,5 x 16 x 1,5 cm. characterized by a two-figure, full-length composition that reflects typical private commissions of an eponymous or family nature (Semejnye). The panel portrays two prominent figures from the Christian hagiographic tradition, captured in a standing and hieratic pose against a background entirely covered in gold leaf. The figure on the left represents an ascetic or hermit Saint belonging to the category of the ”Venerable” (Prepodobnye). He is depicted with a long, thick dark beard, his head covered by the typical bluish monastic hood (koukoulion), and wears monastic robes wrapped in a brown-orange cloak. With his raised right hand, he performs the traditional gesture of blessing, while with his left, he holds a spiritual wanderer's staff topped with a tau handle, a symbol of ascetic authority and constant pilgrimage. The figure on the right depicts a Saint of noble lineage, identifiable by the golden royal crown encircling her head over her long flowing hair. She wears sumptuous vestments consisting of a blue tunic, a wide central golden stole, and a light blue-grey maphorion cloak with finely detailed drapery. In her left hand, she holds a slender martyrdom palm or a threadlike scepter. The iconography is highly compatible with figures of great martyrs of royal descent who are deeply venerated in Russia, such as Saint Catherine of Alexandria or Saint Barbara.