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St. Seraphim of Sarov

Painting
Small oil icon painted on on mother-of-pearl. Now tinted red-orange (possible from wear or age of the varnish), the image shows St. Seraphim with a full white bears, mustache, and shoulder length hair dressed in robe and epitrachelion/ stole. He holds a rosary in one hand and raises the other in a blessing gesture. A black Cyrillic caption sits above him in the painting. The painting is set in a silver frame with black swirl designs and turquoise enameling. It's backed in purple velvet with a sticker pricing it at $650.

2005.02.001

Panel

Tempera

Betsy Scheuring Icon Collection

2005.02

Betsy Scheuring

Gift

Gift of Betsy Scheuring

circa 1900

St. Petersburg, Russia

Makers Mark

Under bottom edge of silver frame

84 ИЛ, BK

Cyrillic

84 silver standard frame, I.L. (unknown assay master), V.K. (makers mark)

Icon

Symbol, Religious

Religious Objects

Ceremonial Objects

Category 08: Communication Objects

1-13/16 in

1-5/8 in

Minitura: Small Objects from the Permanent Collection (2007)

Spirit Made Tangible: The Scheuring Icon Collection (2006)

Cultural/Historical Context

"St. Seraphim was born in 1759 at Kursk, where he became a monk at age 18. Years later he left the monastery to live in the wilderness where he befriended wild animals. When he was 45, a band of robbers nearly beat him to death and left St. Seraphim permanently hunched over (as seen in this icon). He spent the rest of his days counseling those who sought his help and living in peace. Because the blue paint on the silver frame remains in excellent condition, the paint under the yellowed varnish probably matched it when the icon was new. The vine-like border suits the woodsman, whose features (done in a western style) display kindness and sincerity."

St. Seraphim of Sarov picture number 1