The New Testament Trinity Icon, with Feasts and Four Evangelists

The Christian concept of the Trinity is the evocation of the Triune God. As compared to the Old Testament interpretation of the notion, which involves Three Angels and the Hospitality of Abraham, the New Testament version has two variations – “The Fatherhood” and “The Enthronement.” The former depicts Christ as a youth sitting on God Sabaoth’s lap, while the latter pictures the Father and the Son, sitting side by side on a throne, with the Holy Spirit floating in the air. The featured New Testament Trinity icon belongs to the second group of Eastern Orthodox icons that started emerging in the 16th century. What is known about the presented piece?

The New Testament Trinity Icon, with Feasts and Four Evangelists

This Russian religious icon dates back to the early 19th century, with the silver oklad cover made in 1814 in St. Petersburg. The paintwork is well preserved, except for small fallouts and slight chafing that are hardly visible. As for the silver oklad, it is a bit darkened, while the relief is slightly worn. Upon close look, you can notice a crack in the metal. Painted with gesso and tempera on wooden panels, the scheme of the New Testament Trinity icon reflects the Baroque style leaning toward Classicism.

The central image of the piece is surrounded by border scenes with Four Evangelists (Matthew, John the Theologian, Mark, and Luke) and selected Feasts. These include the Entrance into Jerusalem, the Ascension, the Transfiguration, and the Last Supper. Such a composition is quite rare, so it can be assumed that it was requested by a commissioner, probably one of the Old Believers. In the imperial period, such variations of the New Testament Trinity icon were particularly popular among Old Ritualists. The two-finger sign of the cross and the inscription “IC XC” over the Holy Son are the two distinctive characteristics of the old liturgical and ritual practices.

Special attention should be paid to the silver oklad over the canvas of the New Testament Trinity icon. As mentioned before, it was crafted in 1814 in St. Petersburg. It closely follows the style of the icon, which makes the cover an embossed holy icon in itself. Ornamented frames and detailed decorations signify the influence of the early Empire style. Thanks to the structural clarity of the piece, you can easily distinguish the architecture and landscape. The borders of the frame, embellished with petalled ornamentation, rise above the surface, which is common for sacred works created in the early 19th century.

Having such a piece of sublime artistry and great patience in our collection is a true blessing for Russian Icon Collection, and we are happy to share it with you.