The holy martyr Dimitrius was considered to be the patron of the city of Soluni in Thessalonica and Illaria. According to the tradition of Solun, Dmitry was a man from an aristocratic family, the proconsul of the ancient citizens of Thessalonica. He practiced the Christian faith, and for this he died a martyr’s death under Emperor Maximian in 306 A.D. St Dmitry was celebrated not only as a martyr but also as a splendid warrior. The Slavic peoples especially revered him as their protector and military defender. Dmitry Solunsky is presented seated on a throne. In his left hand he holds a scabbard and with his right hand he draws out a sword. In the upper left corner, against a background of cloudy sky, we see Christ offering a blessing; on the right, we see a flying angel bringing a martyr’s wreath to Dmitry. All researchers of the iconography of the Dmitrov iconography have noticed in it the glorification of the man who commissioned it – Prince Vsevolod Bolshoye Gnezdo (Great Nest). The Cathedral of the Assumption in Dmitrov was built in 1713 on the site of the ancient Dmitrov temple which was erected in honour of the birth of Prince Vsevolod Bolshoye Gnezdo on the Epiphany of Dmitry.
The Icon is exact handmade copy therefore the dimensions are specific, the hooks for hanging on the wall are nails for horseshoes, while the nails on the periphery of the icon that hold the frame are different as were in the original one. The openings of the face, of the hands and of other details are done one by one with the hand. The wood is oak and comes from the Mount Athos area. The Icon is silver plated with special treatment to remain unchanged through the years.
Enlarge
