Artwork

Saviour Made Without Hands. The reverse

Saviour Made Without Hands. The reverse, by Unknown, tempera, 1100
Saviour Made Without Hands. The reverse, by Unknown, tempera, 1100

Saviour Made Without Hands. The reverse is a tempera painting by the Byzantine icon painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1100 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery. Saviour Made Without Hands.

About this work

Overview

Saviour Made Without Hands. The reverse is a tempera painting centered on a dark brown cross, surrounded by a multitude of angels and figures against a white background, framed by a black border.

Subject & Meaning

The subject revolves around a venerated cross, implying a religious or devotional theme. The presence of angels in varied poses suggests a scene of heavenly reverence or adoration, underscoring themes of spirituality and worship.

Technique & Style

Executed in tempera, the painting showcases intricate designs and patterns, highlighting the medium's capability for detail. The composition's emphasis on symbolic elements and formal arrangement may align with traditional or liturgical art practices.

Context

While the artist is not specified here, the style and subject matter might place it within a broader tradition of religious art, potentially Eastern Orthodox given the title's reference to a 'Saviour Made Without Hands', a motif associated with certain religious iconographies.

Legacy

Insufficient information is provided to assess the painting's impact or recognition within art historical discourse or religious practices beyond its illustrative value of traditional religious themes.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Tretyakov Gallery open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.