Lot #59: Framed Coptic Orthodox St. Mark Icon Painting on Authentic Egyptian Papyrus

Framed Coptic Orthodox St. Mark Icon Painting on Authentic Egyptian Papyrus This beautiful Coptic Orthodox St. Mark icon is hand-painted on authentic Egyptian papyrus and comes encased in an elegant, decorative gold frame. Subject: Saint Mark the Evangelist (Apostle and Founder of the Coptic Church) Medium: Hand-Painted Gouache/Tempera on Authentic Egyptian Papyrus Reed Paper Origin: Port Said, Egypt (Port Said Art Workshop / مدرسة بورسعيد) Year of Creation: 2011 (Dated "٢٠١١ م" via Arabic inscription) Framing: Custom decorative gilt-gold frame featuring ornate openwork scroll patterning Dimensions: 10" x 14" (Approx. 25 x 35 cm) Up for auction is a beautifully vibrant, hand-painted Coptic Orthodox icon executed in the traditional folk style on highly textured, authentic Egyptian papyrus. This piece is rich with theological symbolism and honors Saint Mark, one of the original Seventy Apostles and the historic writer of the second Gospel. Every element of this composition carries profound historical and spiritual meaning: The Central Figure: Saint Mark is depicted looking directly at the viewer with wide, luminous eyes typical of Coptic sacred art. He wears traditional white under-vestments and a deep crimson-red mantle, which symbolizes his brutal martyrdom in Alexandria, where he was dragged through the streets by a pagan mob until his death. In his hands, he carries a blessing cross. The Lion: Resting at his feet is a lion, the universal symbol paired with Saint Mark. In Coptic tradition, this refers to a famous miracle where his prayers struck dead a menacing lion and lioness, leading his family to convert to Christianity. It also echoes the grand opening of his Gospel: "a voice crying out in the wilderness," akin to a lion's roar. The Pharos (Lighthouse of Alexandria): Capped with a cross in the background, this ancient wonder symbolizes how Saint Mark’s preaching brought the divine light of Christ to illuminate the nation of Egypt, driving away spiritual darkness.The Scale-Patterned Water: The highly structured waves beneath the lighthouse represent the Mediterranean Sea and the Nile Delta, referencing his historic arrival by ship onto the shores of northern Africa to found the Church of Alexandria. Inscription & Provenance: The lower-left corner bears an authentic, hand-rendered Arabic inscription reading "Madrasat Port Said - 2011 M" (مدرسة بورسعيد ٢٠١١ م). This documents its clear provenance as a 2011 creation from a respected Coptic iconography workshop and community school located in the major Egyptian port city of Port Said. Condition Report:The artwork is in excellent, display-ready condition. The colors remain bold, opaque, and highly saturated. The natural papyrus fibers are entirely intact with no visible tears, rippling, or moisture damage. The structural ornate gold gallery frame remains secure and shows only minimal shelf wear consistent with handling. Pickup at Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue Dimensions: 10" x 14" (Approx. 25 x 35 cm) Pickup category timeslot {A}