Lot 89: Spyridon Ventouras , Greek 1761-1835 A Scene from the Life of John Chrysostom egg tempera, gold leaf and oil on panel

signed and dated 1797 lower right egg tempera, gold leaf and oil on panel

47 by 30cm., 18½ by 11¾in.

John Chrysostom (circa 347-407 AD) was the Archbishop of Constantinople, honoured by the Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches as a saint. Primarily celebrated for his skills as a preacher, theologian and liturgist, he is recognized for his denunciation of the abuse of authority by ecclesiastical and political figures, the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. A gifted public speaker, after his death he was given the Greek surname chrysostomos, meaning 'golden-mouthed'.