Saint Stephen fg004

An icon (from Greek ε?κ?ν eik?n "image") is generally a flat panel painting depicting Jesus Christ, Mary, saints and/or angels, which is venerated among Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and in certain Eastern Catholic Churches.

This Icon is from Plovdiv, Bulgaria. It is done in egg tempera and gold leaf. Egg tempera was the forerunner to oil paint. These miniature panels or icons are done in the tradition of Bulgaria. Plovdiv’s history dates as far back as 4000bc, when it began life as a Neolithic settlement. The roots of Bulgarian iconography date back to the time when Bulgaria accepted Christianity- in 865.

Jane Graber’s sister and brother in law (Keith & Ann Graber Miller) travel to Latin America, Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa, purchasing hand-woven, hand-painted, and hand-crafted works directly from artists, artisan cooperatives, galleries, and market vendors. Keith knows so much about these icons and I brought back four for our store. They would be lovely in a church or in a Christian setting. 

This icon of Saint Stephen (the first Christian martyr) was breathtakingly painted by Zoya Petrona, Bulgarian iconographer.

1 3/4"H  1 5/8" W