2005.02

Betsy Scheuring

Gift

Gift of Betsy Scheuring

1896

7 in

5-3/4 in

3/4 in

Spirit Made Tangible: The Scheuring Icon Collection (2006)

Cultural/Historical Context

"St. Theodosius was a famous 17th-century archbishop in the Moscow Kremlin. He became a monk after studying at the Kievan-Brotherhood Holy-Theophany School and obtained prestigious leadership positions until the end of his life. He led a strictly ascetic life and was made archbishop in 1692. After his death in 1696, miracles were performed around his relics. He was canonized two hundred years later after the relics were uncovered and found to be uncorrupted. Theodosius is seen wearing a gold and green crown along with church vestments with a red chemise, blue overcoat edged in gold and featuring gold spirals throughout, and a light teal scarf with red cross motifs on it (cf. 2005.02.105 for a similar presentation ). Theodosius himself has a long beard and hair brown in color with a tan complexion and eyes facing left, towards the Jesus in the upper left corner. He stands on a green floor and exhibits the long limbs, two-dimensional quality, and patterned drapery of Byzantine style. The icon also shows Christ blessing Theodosius from heaven. A geometric pattern in the border featuring the saint's name at the top and stamped square design in the background complete the icon.