Original orthodox Nativity icon painted in egg tempera, with mineral and natural earth pigments including azurite and lapiz lazuli on 15mm birch ply, size 42 cm x 54 cm. The halos are oil gilded with 24k gold leaf. It is fitted with brass hooks and picture cord ready to display.
I painted this large festal Nativity icon during the three year diploma course taught by the Orthodox iconographer Aidan Hart, through the Prince's School of Traditional Arts programme. The icon tells the story of the Nativity of the Lord, with a focus on praise and thanksgiving which is beautifully expressed in a paragraph from the 'Festal Menaion - Nativity Vespers' and asks:
"What shall we offer thee O Christ,
who for our sakes hast appeared on earth as man?
Every creature made by thee offers thee thanks.
The angels offer thee a hymn
the heavens a star
the magi gifts
the shepherds their wonder
the earth its care
the wilderness a manger
and we offer thee a virgin, a mother."
The icon is arranged in three bands. The upper band represents heaven, the bottom earth and the middle is the union of heaven and earth.
Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you would like further information or to arrange staged payments. Shipping is free within the UK and I meet the costs of overseas shipping half-way with the price stated.