"Acheropita" Face of Christ – Icon on canvas, early 18th century

A refined depiction of the Face of Christ, inspired by the ancient Eastern iconography of the Mandylion or Acheropita Face, painted in oil on canvas in the early 18th century. The work depicts Christ’s face in full frontal view, wrapped in the sacred veil, with the traditional Greek inscriptions ΙΝϹ ΧΡϹ (Jesus Christ), in accordance with established Byzantine iconographic tradition.The painting stands out for the intense expressiveness of the gaze, the refined rendering of the flesh tones, and the understated chromatic elegance. The veil is embellished with delicate decorative motifs of Eastern style, while the subtle golden halo and the frame, painted with elegant ornamental elements, contribute to giving the work as a whole a strong sense of devotional solemnity.The work has undergone re-framing over time—a conservation intervention carried out to ensure its structural stability—and is now in good condition, retaining the charm of its ancient patina.Of considerable historical and devotional value, this painting represents a significant testament to the spread of Byzantine-inspired painting in early 18th-century Europe, making it ideal for both a collection of sacred art and a prestigious setting. Dimensions: 62 × 61 cm.