Late 12th – early 13th century
Tempera on wood
156 x 108

The holy martyr Dmitry was considered to be the patron of the city of Soluni in Thessalonica, Macedonia 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.

at 10, Lavrushinsky Lane, Hall 56