Holt Antiques at Walsingham Mill
A Large 18th-Century Eastern Antique Orthodox Icon Of Saint Mark The Evangelist | Egg Tempera on Wood Panel
A Large 18th-Century Eastern Antique Orthodox Icon Of Saint Mark The Evangelist | Egg Tempera on Wood Panel
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This striking hand-painted icon, dating to the 18th century, depicts Mark the Evangelist - one of the four authors of the Gospels - rendered in rich pigments on a solid wooden panel. Likely originating from Eastern Europe or the Orthodox tradition, the icon features Mark holding a gospel, symbolising divine wisdom and authorship. The craftsmanship reveals age-appropriate wear, with a beautifully patinated surface and traces of devotional use.
A rare devotional object, this piece would have once adorned a chapel or private altar, serving as a focal point for prayer and reflection. Its scale and presence make it ideal for collectors of religious art, ecclesiastical antiques, or those seeking a profound historical statement piece.
Provenance: 18th Century - Origin: Possibly Eastern Orthodox (Russia, Balkans, or Greece)
Condition: Age-related wear; structurally sound with original paintwork
Medium: Tempera on wood panel
Size
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Height: 39 cm (15.35 inches)
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Width: 27 cm (10.63 inches)
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Depth: 2.5 cm (0.98 inches)
Historical Context of Icons
Eastern Orthodox icons are sacred images designed not merely as art, but as spiritual conduits—tools for prayer, reflection, and veneration. By the 18th century, especially in Russia and the Balkans, icon painters began blending Byzantine tradition with Western realism, introducing depth and anatomical accuracy while preserving symbolic integrity. Icons of Saint Mark typically depict him holding a scroll or book, symbolising his role as a Gospel author. This icon’s scale and patina suggest it was part of a private devotional setting, crafted to inspire reverence and continuity of faith across generations.
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