Further reading
On Coptipedia, the Coptic encyclopedia (in French)
Certificate of authenticity
Delivered with your artwork
Your hand-painted icon comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by Armia Elkatcha. It identifies your artwork, its dimensions, its number and its completion date.
- Artist
- Armia Elkatcha
- Artwork
- Saint Menas the Wonderworker
- Dimensions
- 90 × 130 cm
- Certificate number
- Assigned to your completed artwork
- Completion date
- Recorded upon completion
Armia Elkatcha’s signature
Signed by the artist on the certificate delivered with the artwork
Apostles, martyrs and saints
Saint Menas the Wonderworker
Unique and personalised icon by Armia Elkatcha Size of your choice. The smaller the icon, the fewer details the artist can include. The photo shows the XL size.
Prices include French VAT at 5.5%
Hand-painted on request · Delivered in 2 to 4 months · Free delivery
Saint Menas, also called Mina, is an Egyptian martyr traditionally associated with Diocletian's persecutions. He stands with both hands raised in prayer, dressed as a soldier, between two camels. This composition recalls an ancient motif of his cult, especially known from pilgrim flasks from Abu Mena near Alexandria.
Tradition relates that camels carrying his relics refused to go further, marking the place of his tomb. The sanctuary became a major pilgrimage destination. The title 'Wonderworker' refers to miracles and healings attributed to his intercession in accounts of his veneration.
Biblical echoes: 1 Timothy 2:8; Revelation 2:10. These passages illuminate the iconography rather than narrate Menas's life.
Studio journal
From preparing the support to the final details: the usual stages of a hand-painted icon.
Prepare the wood
The wooden support is prepared to receive the drawing, gold leaf and paint.
Draw the composition
The scene, figures and symbols are arranged according to the chosen representation and size.
Apply the gold leaf
Gilding brings light to the background and halos, in the tradition of the Coptic icon.
Paint the icon
Colours, garments and faces are painted by hand. The level of detail is adapted to the size of the artwork.
Finish and authenticate
The final details and finishing touches are completed. The artist signs the certificate bearing the artwork’s number and date.
