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Silver Pendant of St. Athanasius the Athonite

Object/Artifact
Silver pendant with engraved image of St. Athanasius. St. Athanasius sears a large miter crown, stole, and robes with embroidery motifs carved into it. He hold a gospel book in one hand while the other is clasped near his breasts. He is shown with long hair, a long beard, and with a dotted halo. Two Greek captions flank either side of him. A lengthy Greek description is carved into the back of the pendant with the year 1804.

2005.02.118

Betsy Scheuring Icon Collection

2005.02

Betsy Scheuring

Gift

Gift of Betsy Scheuring

1804

Russia

Icon

Symbol, Religious

Religious Objects

Ceremonial Objects

Category 08: Communication Objects

1-3/4 in

1-1/4 in

Spirit Made Tangible: The Scheuring Icon Collection (2006)

Cultural/Historical Context

This icon depicts the richly dressed St. Athanasius, who founded the monastery of Great Lavra on Mount Athos in the 10th century, and who wears a crown and holds a Bible. The halo around his head is decorated with points. Hatching creates shadows and gives the figure a three-dimensional look; stars decorate the saint’s robes and pendant. The pattern of star-shapes continues on the back of the pendant where it frames the date, 1804, while rays slant downward from the pendant loop toward the text. The saint appears within an oval frame having minute zigzags along the edge.

Silver Pendant of St. Athanasius the Athonite picture number 1