The Story Behind This Icon
Saint John the Baptist was outspoken in condemning ungodly acts and calling all, rich and poor, man and woman, virtuous and not, to repent before the Kingdom of God. Making no exceptions, John openly denounced King Herod Antipas, Roman-appointed governor of Galilee, for leaving his own wife and taking his brother's wife, Herodias, for his own. "It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife," Mark 6:18.
Herodias wished to have Saint John executed for his boldness in defending God's truth but was unable to convince Herod to do so, on account of Saint John's popularity with the people and Herod's fear to murder a man perceived by all to be a prophet. Nevertheless, Herod had Saint John jailed.
On his birthday, Herod held a feast for dignitaries, elders and a thousand chief citizens of Judea. The daughter of Herodias - Salome, the niece of Herod - danced for the guests. Her dancing had such an effect upon Herod that he, shamelessly, before all of his guests, made an oath that he would give Salome anything she wanted, up to half his kingdom. Taking the opportunity of Herod's foolishness beyond belief, Salome consulted with her mother Herodias, and straightaway asked Herod for the head of John the Baptist on a silver platter. Herod, having publicly sworn to give Salome what she asked, complied with the abominable request. These events are depicted in this Holy Icon of Saint John the Baptist, Forerunner of Christ, whose beheading is commemorated on August 29.
The Forerunner's body was buried by disciples in the Samarian city of Sebaste but his venerable head was hidden by Herodias in an unclean place. The wife of one of King Herod's stewards (Saint Joanna, June 27) secretly took the head and hid it in vessel, buried on the Mount of Olives.
***
This icon is made of solid, natural limewood (Tilia) that has been prepared by hand using traditional methods and organic materials. The background consists of 22 Karat gold leaves that were meticulously applied by hand, piece by piece. Subtle connecting lines and brush strokes may be visible on the gold leaves and are a testament to the artisan's hand, making each piece entirely unique.
Our most popular dimensions are pictured, to scale.
Depending on the size and theme, Holy Icons are available in both Recessed and Level styles.
RECESSED
The groove in our recessed icons adds depth to the Iconography, making the icon even more dramatic and impressive. In order to keep the relative proportions, the depth of the groove changes with the size of the Holy Icon.
LEVEL
Level icons allow the Iconography to retain its boldness even in smaller sizes. As such most of our level icons have smaller dimensions.
Backside details vary with icon size and serve to ensure that your Holy Icon will stand the test of time.
Solid wooden icons of larger dimensions are prone to bending and damaging as time passes. Fortunately, our Holy Icons are supported by two additional, horizontal wooden protective panels on the backside. These panels bolster the icon and allow it to sustain its shape, ensuring that your Holy Icon will remain in its original, pristine condition as it is passed down from generation to generation.
Icons of smaller dimensions are naturally sustainable over time, and experience less structural stress. As such, you will find that the backside of smaller Holy Icons is flat and proportional to their shape.
