Collection Name : Holy Metropolis of Servion and Kozani
Type : Architrave icon
Year : c.1739 AD
Place : Kozani
Τechnique : Egg tempera on wood
Description : This icon is the oldest of all other on architrave and obviously belongs to the icons, which had predated the 1804 church which came to replace the Church of the Assumption. Should be placed on the architrave area of the temple in order to fill the void of an icon that was not painted or lost. The composition of the image is divided into two parts , it is different because it contains elements of folk embroidery. Two-thirds of the icon are covered by dark blue circular medallion which is designated by a yellow-red cord, which is reminiscent of embroidery. A second, smaller, concentric medallion with gold and white background defined by two superimposed depending laces in red and dark-brown exists. At the bottom of the icon formed in an elongated separative, is also defined by a similar string in the same color. The central medallion enclose the figure of Christ depicted in the type of “The High Priest,” seated in a double bow string, in yellow and green color and has an arched footrest of the same color band. With his left hand he is holding a Gospel Book poised in his thigh. In which the words: “ It is I,” while with his right hand is blessing. Unfortunately his garments have been corrupted by time. A cross painted on the central axis of the medallion flanked by two angels that carries the Ade s slabs. O the bottom of the medallion two angels are depicted holding a red globe. Underneath the central medallion Eve and Adam in a blessing attitude are are represented standing in front of a parallel throne, with a hassock, which is covered by a valuable cloth cover. In separating the bottom, background of which is whitish, are decorated with star and floral motifs and adorned with flowers and two vases with flowers which represents the Paradise. At both ends of the separator, two senile people seated at rectangular seats with footrests are depicted. Left one recognizes the patriarch Abraham, who holds an infant within a cloth in his arms and surrounded by four young people who personify the sinless souls in Abraham s bosom. At the right end, Jacob in a similar posture, holding with outstretched hands a baby cloth with three childish faces, that personify the tribes of Israel. In the middle of a young naked man with skirt standing frontally with his head slightly tilted to the right and hold a red cross with rays resting on his shoulder. This is the penitent thief. Outside the medal angular portions of the image, are depicted in white gold background the symbols of the four Evangelists - over: angel left and right eagle, bottom: lion left, steer right - which design is a reminiscent of folk manuscript. The iconographic type of matter, known from the Late - Paleologan period, continues in post-Byzantine era. Stylistically, folk characteristics classify the icon the provincial workshops of the 18th century.
