Russian icon from the late 18th, early 19th century."Saint Paraskeva".Painting on wood. Oklad of crystals, stones and pearls.In need of restoration and general cleaning. Wear and tear due to use and the passage of time. Size: 29 x 23 cm.Saint Paraskeva developed her own personality and functions on Russian soil. 13th-15th century icons from Novgorod already represent Paraskeva as an ascetic figure dressed in the red of martyrdom. She holds an Eastern cross, a scroll professing her faith or a vessel containing the perfume of martyrdom. Saint Paraskeva of Iconium is venerated as a Christian virgin martyr. According to Christian tradition, she was born into a wealthy family in Iconium. Her parents were Christians, and Paraskeva was so named (the name means "Friday" in Greek) because she was baptised on a Friday and because Friday was the day of Christ's Passion. Paraskeva became a preacher and, according to tradition, converted a man named Antoninus to Christianity. She was later martyred in Iconium during the persecutions of Diocletian.