Saint George, steatite icon, 11th century.

Small icon (21X13,5 cm) depicting Saint George. This is the oldest of the four icons of the Byzantine era made of steatite and kept in the Vatopedi Monastery. It is dated based on its iconography and style to the 11th century. Saint George has been rendered in low relief and simple engravings. He is depicted full-length and frontal. He wears a military uniform decorated with many details and is armed; in this way, the figure of a victorious soldier is projected, who defends the faith and protects the owner of the icon. The tile is surrounded by a wooden frame, covered with silver in at least two different phases. The original silver plating concerns two circular enamel medals, within which are enclosed monograms that indicate the name of the Saint. It is dated to the 14th century, thus reinforcing the tradition that the icon was dedicated to Vatopedi by members of the imperial family of John Kantakouzenos (1347-1354) who lived in Ioannina. In more recent years, an attempt was made to repair the covering of the wooden frame of the icon. Two additional silver plates were added, which probably come from other icons; One covers the lower side of the tile and is decorated with a floral ornament. The second, in the upper part of the right side, is dated to the 12th - 13th century and depicts a full-length figure, accompanied by the inscription; “ΙΟ(annis) THE THEOLOGΟS”.