Epigonation with a depiction of the Annunciation

The epigonation, or genual, is a sacerdotal vestment reserved for priests and prelates. In the centre, within a circular medallion, the scene of the Annunciation has been woven with the Archangel Gabriel on the left and the Virgin on the right before an architectural background. The scene is inscribed within a rhombus, while it is covered by a floral ornament with silver flowers and gold leaves. There are rosettes in each of the four corners, three of which contain representations of the Prophets David, Solomon and Habbakuk. The representation is framed by a wide band decorated with floral decoration. The symbols of the four Evangelists are depicted in the four corners within round medallions. The Annunciation and the remaining decoration has been woven into red silk in gold, silver and coloured threads, giving the object a luxurious feel which is further heightened by the use of seed pearls. Gold tassels hang from the four corners. The work alludes to Ottoman art of the period (the floral decoration), but also displays clear influences from the Italian late baroque (the tiled floor in the Annunciation). The production of luxurious embroidery of this kind flourished during the 17th and 18th centuries in the Ottoman Empire, meeting the liturgical needs of the Orthodox Church. Famous embroiderers had their workshops in Constantinople. The art of the epigonation in the Museum is similar in many ways to work produced by the embroiderer Eusebia in Constantinople in the first half of the 18th century.

PUBLICATION
Skampavias K. 2007. Catalogue no. 221, in Skampavias K.—Chatzidakis N. (eds), Paul and Alexandra Canellopoulos Museum.Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Art, Athens, 438–439.