Apostles Peter & Paul – Aged Lithograph with Gold Leaf – Mount Athos

Description

Aged Lithograph of the Apostles Peter and Paul

Two of the most significant figures in Christianity, the Apostles Peter and Paul, are depicted in this lithograph. The Apostle Peter was the foremost of the Apostles, and Jesus called him “Cephas” (Kephas in Aramaic and Peter in Greek), meaning “Rock,” emphasizing the steadfastness of his character. He was married and lived in Capernaum. However, there are no clear sources detailing his life and martyrdom.

The Apostle Paul, known as the “Apostle to the Nations,” was not one of the twelve Apostles. He was later recognized as an equal-to-the-apostles saint after being called by the Lord. From being a fervent persecutor of Christ and Christians, he was miraculously transformed into a passionate preacher of the Gospel.

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 place great importance.

Origin: Mount Athos