Lot 386
A RUSSIAN ICON OF SAINT MITROPHAN VORONEZHSKIY, CIRCA 1830. Born in 1623 in the province of Vladimir, Mitrophan became a married village priest until he was widowed at the age of 39. He then entered the Zolotinsk-Dormition monastery near Suzdal, where he was soon tonsured. Mitrophan’s relationship with the Imperial family began with Tsar Feodor. He was made Bishop just two weeks before Feodor’s death and later participated in the double coronation of Tsar Ivan and Tsar Peter. A deep friendship developed between the youthful Tsar Peter and the aging hierarch as the young Peter spent long periods of time in Voronezh overseeing the building of his fledgling navy. The Voronezh Episcopal residence became a haven for the poor and homeless and Mitrophan made frequent visits to hospitals and prisons. The combined effect of his actions, his inspirational orthodox preaching and his prayers renewed the strength of the church among his flock. Mitrophan died on November 23, 1703. Tsar Peter the Great was among those who bore the coffin to its resting place. Miracles attributable to the Saint’s intercession and the discovery in 1831 of the incorrupt condition of his relics were reported to the Holy Synod, which prepared for Saint Mitrophan’s official glorification (canonization) on August 6,1832, probably about the same time this icon was painted. He is represented here as a Bishop as reflected by the panagia he wears around his neck, however he is attired in the Great Skema, a monastic garment he took towards the end of his life. In the upper left corner an image of Mitrophan’s beloved Smolensk icon of the Mother of God. He is identified by the inscription at upper right as The Holy Mitrophan Bishop of Voronezh. 12.5 inches x 10.5 inches (31.5cm x 27cm).
Estimate:  $500 - 750   € 375 - 563

Price Realized: $540.00