Back to full collection
Artist
Novgorod School
Title
The Forty Martyrs of Sebaste and Four Men in the Fiery Furnace
Date
15th Century
Culture
Russian
Medium
Tempera and gesso on linen
Dimensions
24.4 x 20 cm (9-5/8 x 7-7/8 in.)
Accession Number
1979:001.B
Credit Line
Novgorod School, The Forty Martyrs of Sebaste and Four Men in the Fiery Furnace, 15th century, tempera and gesso on linen, 24.4 x 20 cm (9-5/8 x 7-7/8 in.), Putnam Foundation, Timken Museum of Art
Full view of The Forty Martyrs of Sebaste and Four Men in the Fiery Furnace
Description
The size of this tabletka, or double-sided icon, indicates that it probably sat on a cloth-draped lectern, or analoy. One side depicts the forty Roman soldiers who were martyred for their Christian beliefs in the fourth century by being forced to stand barefoot in a freezing lake. One of the soldiers recanted and entered a shelter on the lakeshore. A tormentor, impressed with the faith of the remaining thirty-nine, removed his clothing and joined the martyrs. Above the figures hover Christ and the crowns of martyrdom.
The reverse of the icon depicts the Old Testament story of Four Men in the Fiery Furnace from the third book of Daniel. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego, refusing to worship the golden idol erected by King Nebuchadnezzar, were cast into the furnace. After an angel appeared to comfort them the king, shown seated on his throne with the idol on the column behind him, marveled that the young men were not harmed by the flames and released them.

Related Information / Media

Provenance

The de Wijenburgh collection, Netherlands; Temple Gallery, London; Acquired by the Putnam Foundation, 1979

Exhibited

London, Temple Gallery, 1979, Byzantine and Russian Icons, cat. by Richard Temple, pp. 32-36, no. 23, ill.

Note

This record has been reviewed by Timken Museum of Art staff and may be incomplete or contain errors. Our records are constantly revised. Inquiries about provenance are advised to contact the Director of Curatorial Affairs:curator@timkenmuseum.org.