Christ Ampelos Greek icon with apostles on vine branches | 23x30 cm (9\"x12\") For Sale

Christ the True Vine with the Twelve Apostles — 16th-Century Greek Orthodox Icon

Orthodox Reproduction | 23x30 cm (9\"x12\")

Christ the True Vine with the Twelve Apostles, also known as Christ the Vine or Christ Ampelos, is a remarkable Byzantine and post-Byzantine iconographic composition inspired by the words of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of John:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.” — John 15:1 (KJV)

This rare icon reproduces a 16th-century Greek composition associated with the Byzantine Museum in Athens, Greece, originally executed in egg tempera on a wooden panel.

Unlike images in which Christ simply holds a grapevine, this composition presents the entire Church as a living vine. Christ sits at its center, while the Twelve Apostles rest upon the branches growing from Him.

The image expresses one of the central teachings of Christianity: Christ is the source of life, and the Church remains spiritually alive through its union with Him.

Iconography — Christ and the Twelve Apostles

At the center of the icon, Jesus Christ is seated upon the trunk of a great grapevine, wearing reddish garments and holding an open Gospel Book.

His arms extend outward in a gesture that visually embraces the branches and the apostles seated upon them.

The open book recalls Christ\'s teaching in John 15, particularly His declaration that He is the True Vine and His disciples are the branches.

Twelve apostles appear among the vine\'s intertwining branches, arranged on either side of the Savior. They hold books or scrolls, symbols of their apostolic teaching and proclamation of the Gospel.

The apostles are connected to Christ through the same living vine. Their positions emphasize that, although each apostle has a distinct mission, all receive their spiritual life from the same Lord.

The branches bear dark grape clusters and abundant leaves, representing spiritual fruitfulness and the continuation of Christian faith.

The warm golden background, intricate vine branches and expressive figures are characteristic of the richly symbolic language of post-Byzantine icon painting.

“I Am the Vine, You Are the Branches” — John 15:1–8

The icon illustrates Christ\'s teaching during His farewell discourse to the disciples:

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that aoffereth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” — John 15:5 (KJV)

The vine is an image of spiritual communion.

Christ is the source of divine life. The apostles, represented as branches, are united to Him and carry His teaching into the world.

The grapes symbolize the fruits of a life rooted in Christ: faith, love, holiness, perseverance and good works.

This icon reminds Christians that spiritual fruitfulness does not arise from human effort alone. It comes from remaining united with Christ through faith, prayer, love and the life of the Church.

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🖼 ProductFeatures

Each icon in our workshop is made to last a lifetimeand beyond. The image is printed with rich, fade-resistant pigment inks on apremium solid-core wood panel — then hand-finished with a natural beeswaxcoating that deepens the colors, protects the surface, and gives each piece thewarm, reverent quality of a traditionally crafted sacred object. A metalhanging hook is included on the back, so your icon is ready to display themoment it arrives.

• Craftedon a premium wood panel — 1.6 cm (0.6\") thick, sturdy yet print — rich, true-to-life colors that last for generations
• Naturalbeeswax finish — hand-applied for depth, protection, and a traditional feel
• Readyto hang — metal hook pre-attached on the reverse
• Hand-finished byOrthodox Christian artisans in Portugal

AVAILABLE SIZES — CHOOSE YOUR PERFECT FIT Small — 12 × 15 cm / 5\" × 6\" — ideal for a personal prayer corner, desk, or gift
Medium — 23 × 30 cm / 9\" × 12\" — the most popular choice for home display
Large — 30 × 39 cm / 12\" × 15\" — a statement piece for any wall or altar space
The icon has no recess, the surface is smooth.
THE PERFECT GIFT FOR ANY SACRED OCCASIONAn Orthodox icon is not simply a decorative object — it is a blessing for the home and a window into the Kingdom of Heaven. This icon makes a deeply meaningful gift for: Baptisms and Chrismations
Name days and feast days
Weddings and anniversaries
Housewarmings and new home blessings
Christmas, Easter, and other major Orthodox feasts
Anyone in need of comfort, prayer, or heavenly intercessionWORLDWIDE DELIVERY FROM PORTUGALEvery order is carefully packed to protect the icon during transit and shipped worldwide with full tracking. We take great care with every package — your icon will arrive safely and ready to treasure.MADE WITH FAITH, CRAFTED WITH CAREOur icons are made in Portugal by Orthodox Christian artisans who approach each piece as an act of devotion as much as craft. From the selection of the wood panel to the final application of beeswax by hand, every step is carried out with the intention that this icon will become a lasting blessing — in your home, or in the home of someone you love.We are proud to bring the living tradition of Orthodox Christian iconography to homes around the world.💬 Have a question? Feel free to reach out!
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