The Five Saints of Sebasteia, Mardarios, Orestes, Eustratios, Eugenios and Auxentios

The icon depicts the five saints who suffered martyrdom in Sebasteia, arranged in two rows. Above them is a miniature figure of God who blesses and holds the wreath of martyrdom. The saints hold a golden cross in their right hand and are dressed differently from each other, even though dressing has become incidental in this period. The differences depend on the profession and status of the figures. Only Eugenios and Orestes are dressed according to the traditional types; for example, presbyter Auxentios is represented as a young man wearing a peculiar hat. In this icon, Skordilis demonstrates his excellent skill in the richly decorated, elaborate costumes with ornaments and dense folds, and in the finely rendered flesh, all features of the best Cretan tradition. Emmanouil Skordilis was one of the most important painters in the Cyclades during the 17th century. He was of Cretan origin and most probably lived in Crete until the fall of Chania to the Ottoman Turks in 1645.