323: RARE 18C. MELKITE ICON OF ST. GEORGE WITH ARABIC SCRIPT

The large 17th / 18th century painting on cloth of St. George is inscribed Saint George the Martyr along the top in ARABIC and near the lower edge The one responsible for this [icon] is the Qomos Jirjis [ranking priest / artist], the servant of the angel Michael in noble Jerusalem. O God, grant respite to one who is tired in the kingdom of heaven. along with 21 Abib 1572 at the extreme lower edge.

This painting, with its particularly attractive and quaint depiction of the Saint's white horse, is embellished by a brass application representing St. George's boot with hand engraved decoration. The work is found tacked to Masonite but displayed in a frame of the period with outstanding dry painted surface in only one coat.

The hagiography of St. George relates the miracle deliverance of a kidnapped young man in several versions. Here the liberated boy appears behind the martyr still holding a jug (wine jug in some accounts, water in others) that he, as a captive servant, was tasked with delivering the very moment his mother's prayers to St. George were suddenly and miraculously answered.
Sight size measures 23.75 x 15 with a framed size of 27 x 18 inches.
The condition is as shown, including surface grime, numerous holes, slits rubs, punctures and creases. Still the condition is very good and free from major damage, replacement, repaint or alteration.
$3,000 - $5,000