An icon of the Martyr Mardarios, 17th century

of circular form painted on silk, the martyr depicted holding an orthodox cross and staff within a gold border

Acquired by the present owner from a private German collection

Attached to a white modern, polystyrene board. We would advise prospective buyers to view.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This icon is one of a series of such icons painted on silk which, since 1976, have been on permanent loan to the Church of St. Stephanus-Kirche zu Münster. All the icons are finely painted in a similarly reserved colour scheme, with gold being the dominating colour. It has been suggested that they may have once belonged to the Iconostas of a smaller, private chapel. Originally attached to wooden stretchers, it is unusual that they were painted on silk, factors which would have allowed for ease of transport and have also led to speculation that they could once have been part of an Army Iconostas. Cut out of their frames and rolled up in 1917 they were stored in an Archive and eventually sold to the West.

The Martyr Mardarios, who is commemorated on the 13^th December, was one of five martyrs hailing from Greater Armenia. At the time of Diocletian's persecutions, these five men flouted the authorities, refusing to worship Christ in secret, and, as a result three of them were tortured by the proconsul, Lysius, ending their lives in torment. Saint Mardarios's fate was to be cast into prison and endure having holes drilled into his ankles with ropes then passed through them. He was then suspended upside down and hot nails were hammered into his body. The prayer of the Third Hour, "O Sovereign Master, God the Father Almighty," is attributed to him.