Icon of Saint Xenia of Saint Petersburg

Icon Details

Medium: Egg tempera
Dimensions: 40 cm × 30 cm
Style: Ancient Byzantine
Collection: Private Collection

Description

Byzantine icon of Saint Xenia of Saint Petersburg, kneeling in prayer amidst cemetery crosses under a starry sky. Painted in egg tempera on wood with a gold-leaf background.

This Byzantine icon depicts Saint Xenia of Saint Petersburg, a Fool-for-Christ known for her ascetic life, miracles, and humble spirit. Painted in egg tempera on wood with a gold-leaf background, the icon reflects her life of prayer and service to the poor. The icon measures 40 cm in height and 30 cm in width.

Iconography

Saint Xenia is shown kneeling in prayer, her eyes turned toward the heavens, symbolizing her unceasing intercession for the world. The cemetery crosses in the background reflect her years of living in the Smolensk Cemetery after the death of her husband. The crow perched on the tree signifies both her solitude and the spiritual trials she endured. The mysterious face in the moon may symbolize her connection to both the earthly and heavenly realms, as she lived between the seen and unseen worlds. Christ appears in the top corner of the icon, blessing her with a scroll, emphasizing her righteousness.

Symbolism

Saint Xenia's life as a Fool-for-Christ was marked by voluntary poverty, humility, and spiritual insight. She wandered the streets of Saint Petersburg, often misunderstood, yet secretly performing acts of charity and prophesying future events. The starry sky behind her represents the light of Christ guiding her through the darkness of worldly suffering. The skull near the grave symbolizes her reminder of death (memento mori), a common theme in Orthodox asceticism, calling believers to repentance.

Artistic Technique

This icon was created using traditional Byzantine techniques, employing natural mineral pigments and egg tempera on wood. The gold leaf surrounding Saint Xenia's halo symbolizes her divine grace and sanctity, while the detailed brushwork brings to life the spiritual elements of the icon. The depiction of nighttime elements and celestial symbols adds a mystical dimension to the composition.

Significance

Saint Xenia of Saint Petersburg lived in the 18th century and is venerated as a Fool-for-Christ in the Russian Orthodox Church. After the sudden death of her husband, she gave away all her possessions and lived a life of poverty and asceticism. She wandered the streets in her late husband’s military uniform, taking his name and embracing the path of holy foolishness. Despite her outward appearance of madness, many recognized her spiritual gifts of healing, prophecy, and intercession. Her grave in the Smolensk Cemetery became a place of pilgrimage and miraculous healings. Her feast day is celebrated on January 24 (O.S. January 6).

Miraculous Acts

Saint Xenia was known for performing miracles during her lifetime and after her death. She often prophesied future events, helped the poor and needy, and her intercessions brought healing and comfort to those who sought her help. Her gravesite remains a pilgrimage destination in Saint Petersburg, where many testify to receiving miraculous assistance through her prayers.

Creation Process of the Icon

Below, explore the creation process of this sacred icon—from its earliest sketches to the final application of gold leaf and intricate detailing. Click on an image to enlarge and learn more about each stage of the process.