A Beautifully Detailed Imperial Russian Icon of the Patrons of Marriage and Family. This authentic antique Russian Orthodox icon depicts the Holy Martyrs and Confessors Gurias, Samonas, and Abibus (Святые мученики и исповедники Гурий, Самон и Авив). Hand-painted in Imperial Russia during the late 19th to early 20th century, this piece is rendered in a highly refined academic-revival style featuring intricate gold-leaf embellishments and extensive sgraffito texturing throughout the garments, borders, and halos.
In the Orthodox Christian tradition, this sacred trio of Edessa is deeply venerated as the heavenly protectors of marriage, family harmony, and a happy home. They are traditionally petitioned by those seeking to restore peace and fidelity to a domestic partnership.
The back of the wooden piece features a handwritten French inscription reading: "Pour le salut des serviteurs de Dieu, Jacques et Irène" (For the salvation of the servants of God, Jacques and Irène). The custom French inscription on the back clarifies that it was dedicated
to, or given for, the spiritual welfare and salvation of a couple named Jacques and Irène. These Saints are traditionally petitioned to restore harmony when there are severe marital issues or domestic discord.
It was common for families across Western Europe (particularly France, which hosted a large community of Russian émigrés and nobility following the Revolution) to treasure and pass down these icons as protective family relics.
Iconography Breakdown:
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Left: St. Gurias, shown as an elder with a long white beard holding a martyr's cross.
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Center: St. Samonas, depicted with a trimmed beard and dark hair in rich red robes.
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Right: St. Abibus, represented as a youthful deacon clothed in a brilliant blue sticharion, lifting a liturgical censer.
- Inscription: The upper margin features clean Old Church Slavonic script identifying the saints.
Specifications:
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Medium: Tempera and oil with gold leaf on a solid wooden panel.
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Period: Late 19th Century to Early 20th Century (circa 1880–1910).
- Region of Origin: Imperial Russia.
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