Artwork

Sf. Paraschiva

Sf. Paraschiva, by Unknown, 1850
Sf. Paraschiva, by Unknown, 1850

Sf. Paraschiva is a drawing by Unknown. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the "Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum. The work depicts a central figure crowned in gold and clothed in a vivid red robe edged with gold.

About this work

Overview

The work depicts a central figure crowned in gold and clothed in a vivid red robe edged with gold. A halo encircles the serene face, and the figure grasps a cross‑topped globe in one hand while holding a flowering branch in the other. Flanking the central presence are two smaller, cloud‑borne figures each bearing a cross, set against a dark blue sky dotted with red blossoms on green vines.

Subject & Meaning

The composition suggests a religious theme, with the crowned individual likely representing a saint or holy personage, emphasized by the halo and the cross‑adorned globe, symbols of spiritual authority and the Christian world. The accompanying figures and the floral elements may allude to divine intercession and the sanctity of nature.

Technique & Style

Bold, saturated hues dominate the palette, with reds, golds, and blues rendered in flat, luminous planes. The figure’s calm expression is outlined with clear contours, while the halo and decorative details are highlighted through fine line work, reminiscent of cross‑hatching techniques used to suggest shading and texture.

History & Provenance

The piece is catalogued as an image titled “Sf. Paraschiva,” though no further information on its creation date, artist, or ownership history is provided in the available data.

Context

The visual language aligns with Eastern Orthodox iconography, where saints are often shown with halos, crowns, and symbolic objects such as globes and branches. The use of vivid primary colors and stylized cloud figures reflects a tradition of conveying spiritual narratives through striking visual contrast.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known