Who painted Iisus Hristos Mare Arhiereu și Învățător?

Iisus Hristos Mare Arhiereu și Învățător was painted by Gheorghe fiul lui Iacov in 1791.

Where can I see Iisus Hristos Mare Arhiereu și Învățător?

Iisus Hristos Mare Arhiereu și Învățător is held by Alba Iulia Orthodox Archdiocese.

What movement is Iisus Hristos Mare Arhiereu și Învățător?

Iisus Hristos Mare Arhiereu și Învățător is associated with Byzantine icon painting.

Artwork

Iisus Hristos Mare Arhiereu și Învățător

Gheorghe fiul lui Iacov , 1791

Iisus Hristos Mare Arhiereu și Învățător is an unspecified painting by the Byzantine icon painting artist Gheorghe fiul lui Iacov. It dates from 1791 and is held in the collection of the Alba Iulia Orthodox Archdiocese.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1791 by the Romanian painter Gheorghe fiul lui Iacov, this panel titled *Iisus Hristos Mare Arhiereu și Învățător* is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The work depicts a solemn figure of Christ, rendered in vivid reds and blues, and is distinguished by a luminous gold halo and ornamental detailing.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure represents Jesus as the Great High Priest and Teacher, a dual role emphasized by the book he holds, suggesting scriptural authority, and the gestural hand that appears to convey blessing or instruction. Surrounding the head are red ovals containing letters, likely serving as symbolic or devotional inscriptions that reinforce his spiritual significance.

Technique & Style

The painting employs a stark chiaroscuro effect, with a dark green backdrop that isolates the illuminated figure. Gold leaf outlines the halo and trim, catching ambient light and intensifying the contrast between the bright garments and the surrounding gloom. The brushwork shows signs of age, yet the original palette of crimson, azure, and metallic gold remains vivid.

History & Provenance

Attributed to Gheorghe fiul lui Iacov, an 18th‑century artist active in the Romanian principalities, the work has remained in institutional care, eventually entering the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings. Its condition reflects prolonged exposure, with surface wear that testifies to its longstanding presence in the region’s religious and cultural heritage.

Artist & collection

Artist

Gheorghe fiul lui Iacov

This painter created religious scenes in 18th-century Romanian churches, where gold-leaf halos and deep cobalt blues were common.

Museum

Alba Iulia Orthodox Archdiocese

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