Saint Theodore the Recruit – Lithograph – Mount Athos

Description

Lithograph of Saint Theodore the Recruit

This lithograph depicts Saint Theodore the Recruit, who was named so because he had enlisted in the ranks of the Roman legions as a recruit. Saint Theodore lived during the reigns of Emperors Maximian (286–305) and Galerius (305–311), and he is considered a martyr by the Orthodox Church due to his martyrdom. Theodore had refused to participate in the sacrifices that were being conducted, which led to his being summoned by the commander. When asked, he confessed that he was a Christian. His refusal to recant his faith resulted in him being arrested, flogged, and then tortured with sharp irons that tore his flesh. Despite these tortures, he still did not deny Christ. Finally, his tormentors decided to throw him into a furnace, where he gave up his spirit.

Lithograph: Characteristics

The iconographer monk created this work using a lithographed replica of Byzantine art, following the traditional method of artificial aging, which he learned at Mount Athos. The artificial aging process is handmade, which adds to the collectible value of the artwork depicting Saint Theodore the Recruit. The lithography technique in iconography is a printing technique invented in 1798.

Origin: Mount Athos