Icon of the Heavenly Liturgy

Material: Wood, Tempera paint, Gold leaf
Date range: Late 17th century AD
Origin: Unknown

This is a detailed rectangular wooden icon depicting the Heavenly Liturgy (or Divine Liturgy), centered on the representation of the Holy Trinity and surrounded by various ranks of the heavenly host. The image is painted by Ioannis (John) and dates to the Late 17th century AD. It was donated by the Historical and Ethnological Society of Greece.

The Holy Trinity is placed prominently in the center on a raised, richly decorated red altar.

• Christ (God the Son) is seated on the left, depicted as a young man in an ornate, dark green garment with gold patterns. His right hand is raised in a gesture of blessing.

• God the Father is seated on the right, depicted as an elderly man with a long white beard, wearing a flowing white cloak. His left hand holds a staff, and his right hand is raised.

• The Holy Spirit is symbolized above and between them by a dove within a golden circle of light.

Between Christ and God the Father, on the altar, rests an open book (likely the Gospel or a service book) with clear, stylized inscriptions. The entire central scene is framed by golden halos.

The figures are surrounded by numerous angels and archangels, representing the heavenly hierarchy engaged in the Liturgy:

• Archangels and Angels are positioned in the mid-ground, many of whom are holding candles, scrolls, or liturgical vessels. The highest ranks, like the Seraphim and Cherubim (with multiple wings and fiery colors), frame the scene.

• Inscriptions, some in Latin (e.g., CHERUBIM, PRINICIPATUS, ANGELI), identify the different orders of the heavenly host, reinforcing the highly structured and theological nature of the composition.

The icon's dense composition, bright colors, and use of gold leaf are characteristic of post-Byzantine art, particularly the period influenced by Venetian and Western European styles, while maintaining Orthodox iconography.

Museum label reference: Icon of the depiction of Heavenly Liturgy. Painted by Ioannis. Late 17th c. Donated by the Historical and Ethnological Society of Greece. BXM 2222.

Original Text: Εικόνα με παράσταση της Ουράνιας Λειτουργίας. Ζωγράφος Ιωάννης. Τέλη 17ου αι. Δωρεά Ιστορικής και Εθνολογικής Εταιρείας. BXM 2222.

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