St. Christopher

Russian, 17th century
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State Museum Preserve "Rostov Kremlin"

In some Eastern versions of his legend, Christopher had a remarkably ugly head, comparable to a dog's. This image and others picture it as a horse's head.

In these legends Christopher asks God for the gift of speech. In this icon he is listening as God grants this prayer and tells him he will use that gift for the salvation of many.

Some versions say Christopher was captured in an unspecified war, so Orthodox icons picture him in military garb such as we see here. The small cross in his hand is a conventional symbol of martyrdom.

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