St. George, handmade Russian icon, Moscow. Middle 19th Century.

Icon of St. George.

Handmade Russian Icon, Moscow. Middle 19th C. (1850-1870)

The icon is in excellent condition, made in four different levels, 

First wood, second canvas, third gold leaf and fourth the painting level. 

Size: 67x46 cm, 26.3x18 inch.

St. George was a soldier of Cappadocian Greek origins, member of the Praetorian Guard for Roman emperor Diocletian, who was sentenced to death for refusing to recant his Christian faith. He became one of the most venerated saints and megalo-martyrs in Christianity, and he has been especially venerated as a military saint since the Crusades.

In hagiography, as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and one of the most prominent military saints, he is immortalized in the legend of Saint George and the Dragon. His memorial, Saint George's Day, is traditionally celebrated on 23 April.

England, Ethiopia, Georgia, the Spanish region of Catalonia and several other nation states, cities, universities, professions and organizations all claim Saint George as their patron.