Saint Maximus the Greek

Orthodox icon of Saint Maximus the Greek on thick plywood 20mm, which does not sting and keeps its shape over time. Preparation with acrylic stucco and have been used acrylic colors. It has been covered with varnish to keep the colors undiluted in time and humidity. Hanging clip included on the back of the icon. 

Saint Maximus the Greek was a Greek monk, publicist, writer, scholar, humanist, and translator active in Russia. He is also called Maximus the Hagiorite. He is commemorated on January 21. St. Maximus was born Michael Trivolis in 1475 in Arta, Greece.  As a young man Maximus went to Italy to study ancient languages, as well as ecclesiastic and philosophic works. He knew prominent figures of the Renaissance era such as the Venetian printer Aldus Manutius and made the acquaintance of scholars Angelo Poliziano, Marcilio Ficino, Pico della Mirandola, and Janus Lascaris. Maximus was also greatly influenced by the preachings of the fiery Dominican priest and reformer Girolamo Savonarola. Upon his return from Italy in 1507, he took monastic vows at the Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos. In 1515, Grand Prince Basil III asked the abbot of the monastery to send him a certain monk by the name of Savva to translate a number of religious texts. Savva was so old that the abbot decided to send the energetic Maximus instead, though he had no knowledge of the Church Slavonic language. Nevertheless, the monks vouched for him, and he went to Moscow, where he was met with great honor.