9. The Seven Youths of Ephesus

Details

Russian, second half 18th century
19.6 x 17.4 cms
The silver oklad is made by Master A.И, Assay Master АС ІІ, 1780, Moscow.

Provenance:
Private collection, Germany.

Description:
The Seven Youths of Ephesus, or Seven Sleepers of Ephesus, as they are often called, were early Christians who sought refuge in a cave from the persecutions of the Emperor Decius in the 3rd century.

They were walled up alive, and fell into a miraculous sleep for 170 years at which time they awoke and were discovered by the citizens of Ephesus who, over the past two centuries had converted to Christianity.

On the icon the Seven Youths are depicted asleep within a dark cave in a hill. Each young saints is identified with an inscription above his halo.

In the upper centre is an image of the Mother of God of Kazan.

The four border saints are on the left side the Guardian Angel and Saint Barbara. On the opposite side we see Saint Simeon and Saint Anne.