Sfântul Mucenic Trifon

The Holy Martyr Tryphon was originated from the Phrygian area, from the village of Lampsac and lived as a true Christian, preaching Christ. Among the various miracles performed by Saint Tryphon, we recall the one in which he expelled a demon from the daughter of the Roman emperor Gordian at only 17 years old. The devil appeared to everyone metamorphosing into a black dog with eyes like fire. This deed led to the conversion of the abbey to Christianity, along with many other dignitaries. He was martyred during the reign of Emperor Decius, the persecutor of Christians in the year 250. In iconography there are several types characteristic of Eastern art. His figure according to the Erminia of Dionysius is that of one: young, beardless, with curly hair. A series of symbolic elements stand next to his face, such as: the Holy Cross, vine leaves, palm leaves, sickle, falcon, flowers, geese, etc. In Western painting, two reference names complete the study, Vittorio Carpaccio and Giarolamo da Santacroce. At the end of the study, we consider that the iconic variants from the Eastern area with their distinct typologies and symbols, stand next to Western painting, which, through specific means of accentuated figurativeness, define an interesting, unique and welcoming artistic repertoire for those who persistently bend in understanding the representative artistic and hagiographic phenomenon dedicated to the confessor of Christ, Saint Tryphon.