Silver Pendant of St. Athanasius the Athonite
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.