This icon forms part of the King’s doors in the Saint Charalambios Chapel in the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi. It is a simply painted icon in bright colours on a dark blue background, where the Angel Gabriel and Mary are depicted on a cloud.
The icon also shows the year in which the doors were painted.
Size: 29 x 37 cm. ●
This icon from the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi is a transitional work in style and expression. The painter was probably familiar with the aesthetic West European Renaissance, which followed the Byzantine tradition.
The background has an unusual form and scenes are used that took place in different times in history.
The painter was clearly highly skilled in painting icons, softening the customary features of the traditional likeness while preserving the facial expressions.
Size: 28 x 35 cm. ●
In the centre is the figure of Christ clothed in a dazzling white robe. He stands over the abyss of darkness, where the broken doors, locks and hinges are still visible. The first to be liberated from limbo by Christ are the forefathers and the Kings of the Old Testament who stand behind him, together with Eve. Finally, Christ pulls Adam out into the light of mercy..
Size: 28 x 35 cm.●
According to tradition, the first icon of this type was painted by Saint Luke. A typical feature of this icon is the way the Christ Child sits on the left arm of his mother, turning his gaze away from her. The child presents an opened scroll showing an excerpt from Luke 4 verse 18 or from Isaiah 61 verse 1. The icon takes its name from the Kykkos monastery on Cyprus. The festival for this icon is celebrated on 26 December.
Size: 28 x 35 cm.
Saint George, on a rearing horse, brandishes his lance to slay the dragon lying on the ground.
Size: 28 x 35 cm.●
Christ, clothed only in a loincloth, stands in the River Jordan as John baptizes him. Above Christ are the rays of the Holy Ghost. In the river at Christ’s feet, still clearly visible as an ancient relic, is the river god Jordan. To the left of Christ stand four angels bearing his clothes in their hands. To the right an axe hangs in a tree, illustrating Matthew Chapter 3 verse 10: ‘Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.’
Size: 28 x 35 cm.
Christ, dressed in priestly robes, is shown in a frontal, half-profile pose. He is depicted as the King of Kings.
In his left hand he holds an open book, his right hand is raised in blessing.
Size: 28 x 35 cm.
The two angels, similar in appearance, are beautifully clothed in red and green robes underneath a decorated over-garment. In their right hands they grasp the messenger’s staff. Both angels stand on finely decorated cushions. The original icon is kept at Saint Catharine’s Monastery in Sinai.
Size: 28 x 35 cm.●
The Mother of God Panhagia in this icon is one of the earliest pictures of Mary. The icon shows Mary in Orans pose (praying, with raised hands). In front of Mary, Jesus also has his hands outstretched. This ancient icon originates from Constantinople, from the then district of Blachernitissa. To the left and right at the top of the icon are the angels Michael and Gabriel respectively.
Size: 24 x 42 cm.●
The original icon dates from the 13th century and has been restored several times over the centuries. The exquisitely painted robes of the child, the decorations on the clothes of the Mother of God, the fine lines in her face and the decorations on the aureole are reminiscent of the Cypriot School with Syrian influences. The original size is 74 x 94 cm.
Size: 28 x 35 cm.●