Greek Saint Paraskevi Icon
17th century A.D. A tempera on wood icon depicting Saint Paraskevi of Rome holding a gold cross in her right hand, dressed in a light blue chiton and a red maphorion embroidered with stars and worn over a light blue veil, the gilt halo with red spot decoration; mounted on a later frame. Cf. Onasch, K., Schnieper, Ikonen, Faszination und Wirklichkeit, Munchen, 1995, pp.206-207, for icons of the Saint. 990 grams, 35.3 x 24.5 cm (13 7/8 x 9 5/8 in.). Property of a London lady, part of her family's collection. Saint Paraskevi is considered in the Orthodox world as the protector of sick people. Religious icon images of the saint were considered to hold powers to help in healing from various ailments, keeping the family well, and protecting against evil intentions. There was an ancient custom in the Orthodox world of bringing fruit and vegetables to the church to sanctify them on the day of Saint Paraskevi and keep them in the house as a talisman.