Saint George – Aged Lithograph with Gold Leaf – Mount Athos

Description

Aged Lithograph of Saint George

This lithograph depicts Saint George, the great martyr and Trophy-bearer, who was born around 275 AD in Cappadocia to Christian parents. His father, who was also a Christian, died a martyr’s death when George was just ten years old. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the Roman army and quickly rose through the ranks, earning the admiration of Emperor Diocletian.

However, he did not hesitate to confess his Christian faith in front of the emperor, who had launched a campaign to persecute Christians. Enraged, Diocletian imprisoned George and subjected him to a series of tortures. One night, while imprisoned, Saint George had a dream in which Christ announced to him his impending death and entry into eternal life. The next day, Diocletian ordered that George be beheaded.

Aged Lithograph: Features

In this particular image, the monk-iconographer used the technique of lithography to create a uniquely beautiful piece, bordered with gold leaf. Specifically, using a lithographed copy of Byzantine art, the monk crafted this work following the traditional method of artificial aging, as taught in the iconography workshops of the Athonite Monastic State. The artificial aging of the icon is handmade, a process to which the monks of Mount Athos attach great importance.

Origin: Mount Athos