Ref:  4264

An antique icon from the Serbian Orthodox Church, oil on prepared board, dating from the 19th century. It depicts Helena and her son, Constantin, with the saints Nicholas and Vasilios (or Basil). Legend has it that Helen found the true cross in Palestine, and in her iconography she is shown holding it, as here. Her son was the ruler of Byzantium which after the fall of Rome in 330 became both the capital of Rome and of the Eastern Christian Church, the city on his death becoming named Constantinople.

This icon is loaded with political and cultural significance. Since the 15th century Constantinople had been controlled & then ruled by the Muslim Ottomans who took it to be their capital & called it Istanbul. The Serbs for centuries were a bulwark against the Ottomans, defending Central European ruling powers against Muslim incursions. Historically the very existence of the Serbian state, their sovereign territory and Church was subject to continual threat. This icon therefore presents deep feeling, it was painted prior to the demise of the Ottoman Empire after the First World War, and presents a solemn and strong quadripartite image, making reference to a Christian foundation myth for the territories of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Serbia      19th cent.

H: 38cm (15.0in)
W: 28cm (11.0in)
D: 2.5cm (1.0in)

£490