Artwork

Johannes Evankelista ja oppilaansa Prohoros, venäläinen ikoni

Johannes Evankelista ja oppilaansa Prohoros, venäläinen ikoni is an unspecified painting by the Russian Icon artist tekijä ei tiedossa. It is held in the collection of the Finnish National Gallery. The icon depicts a bearded elder in long robes standing beside a younger figure.

About this work

Overview

The icon depicts a bearded elder in long robes standing beside a younger figure. The elder holds an open book, while both are set against a luminous gold leaf background that illuminates the wooden panel.

Subject & Meaning

The older figure is identified as Johannes the Evangelist, accompanied by his disciple Prochorus. The presence of the book suggests the transmission of the Gospel, a common theme in Eastern Orthodox devotional imagery.

Technique & Style

Executed in tempera on wood, the work follows the conventions of Russian iconography, employing bold outlines and a flattened, symbolic representation rather than naturalistic modeling. Bright pigments and gold leaf enhance the spiritual aura of the composition.

History & Provenance

The panel belongs to the tradition of medieval Russian icons, a medium widely used for liturgical purposes. Comparable works by the same hand are displayed at the Museum of Ethnography, indicating the artist’s activity within that regional workshop.