Greek Orthodox Icon - Saint Constantine And Saint Helena - Icon - Tempera On Wood

Second half of the 19th century Greek School A superb Greek Orthodox icon depicting Saint Constantine the Great and his mother, Saint Helena, two major figures in Christian history. They are depicted on either side of the large Cross of Christ, the central symbol of the Christian faith, which both touch with their hands in veneration. Saint Constantine, on the left, is dressed in his imperial robes, carrying a golden crown and a sceptre, symbols of his power. Saint Helena, on the right, is depicted with a veil and a crown, signs of her holiness and role as empress. Both have halos, thus emphasizing their status as saints. The composition follows traditional Orthodox iconographic conventions, with a large cross in the center, recalling the importance of Saint Helena's discovery of the True Cross in Jerusalem. Both saints are painted with great attention to detail, particularly in their richly decorated clothing and solemn gestures. The Greek inscriptions around the halos read: • On the left: “ἉΓΙΟΣ” (“Saint”) and “ἉΓΙΑ” (“Holy”). • On the right: “ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΣ” (“Constantine”) and “ἙΛΕΝΗ” (“Helen”). The dominant colours of the icon are red, green and gold, symbolising royalty, life and divine light respectively. The faces of Saint Constantine and Saint Helen are painted with finesse, expressing the solemnity and spiritual serenity that characterise these historical figures. Please note: Icon in good general condition. Some slight traces of wear are visible on the edges, without affecting the quality of the work. Wood-boring holes fully treated. Dimensions: Height: 41.5 cm Width: 31.5 cm ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY!