Russians inherited the tradition of icon painting from Byzantium, where it began as an offshoot of the mosaic and fresco tradition. During the 8th and 9th centuries, the  More »

Russians inherited the tradition of icon painting from Byzantium, where it began as an offshoot of the mosaic and fresco tradition. During the 8th and 9th centuries, the iconoclastic controversy in the Orthodox Church called into question whether religious images were a legitimate practice or sacrilegious idolatry. Although the use of images was in the end permitted, a thorough distinction between profane art intended to depict reality and sacred art designed for spiritual contemplation was established. Certain kinds of balance and harmony became established as reflections of divinity, and as such they invited careful reproduction and subtle refinement rather than striking novelty. Although this philosophy resulted in a comparatively slow evolution of style, icon painting evolved considerably over the centuries. Unlike the pictorial traditions of the west that aspire towards increased realism and naturalism, the essence of Russian icon painting is not about the representation of physical space or appearance. Icons are images intended to aid in contemplative prayer, and in that sense, are more concerned with conveying meditative harmony than with laying out a realistic scene. Triptych Featuring the Virgin - PF.5981Origin: Russia Circa: 19 th Century ADDimensions: 11" (27.9cm) high Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Oil on Wood Panels   « Less

Russians inherited the tradition of icon painting from Byzantium, where it began as an offshoot of the mosaic and fresco tradition. During the 8th and 9th centuries, the  More »

Russians inherited the tradition of icon painting from Byzantium, where it began as an offshoot of the mosaic and fresco tradition. During the 8th and 9th centuries, the iconoclastic controversy in the Orthodox Church called into question whether religious images were a legitimate practice or sacrilegious idolatry. Although the use of images was in the end permitted, a thorough distinction between profane art intended to depict reality and sacred art designed for spiritual contemplation was established. That difference is one of the reasons that the artistic style of icons can seem so invariant. Certain kinds of balance and harmony became established as reflections of divinity, and as such they invited careful reproduction and subtle refinement rather than striking novelty. Although this philosophy resulted in a comparatively slow evolution of style, icon painting evolved considerably over the centuries. Unlike the pictorial traditions of the west that aspire towards increased realism and naturalism, the essence of Russian icon painting is not about the representation of physical space or appearance. Icons are images intended to aid in contemplative prayer, and in that sense, are more concerned with conveying meditative harmony than with laying out a realistic scene. They were not painted to please the eye of the mind, but to inspire reflection and self-examination. The Mother of God PF.5984Origin: Russia Circa: 18 th Century AD to 19 th Century ADDimensions: 12.5" (31.8cm) high Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthdox Medium: Tempera on Wood   « Less

Russians inherited the tradition of icon painting from Byzantium, where it began as an offshoot of the mosaic and fresco tradition. During the 8th and 9th centuries, the  More »

Russians inherited the tradition of icon painting from Byzantium, where it began as an offshoot of the mosaic and fresco tradition. During the 8th and 9th centuries, the iconoclastic controversy in the Orthodox Church called into question whether religious images were a legitimate practice or sacrilegious idolatry. Although the use of images was in the end permitted, a thorough distinction between profane art intended to depict reality and sacred art designed for spiritual contemplation was established. That difference is one of the reasons that the artistic style of icons can seem so invariant. Certain kinds of balance and harmony became established as reflections of divinity, and as such they invited careful reproduction and subtle refinement rather than striking novelty. Although this philosophy resulted in a comparatively slow evolution of style, icon painting evolved considerably over the centuries. Unlike the pictorial traditions of the west that aspire towards increased realism and naturalism, the essence of Russian icon painting is not about the representation of physical space or appearance. Icons are images intended to aid in contemplative prayer, and in that sense, are more concerned with conveying meditative harmony than with laying out a realistic scene. They were not painted to please the eye of the mind, but to inspire reflection and self-examination. Four Saints - PF.5985Origin: Russia Circa: 19 th Century ADDimensions: 12.25" (31.1cm) high Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Oil on Wood Panel   « Less

Russians inherited the tradition of icon painting from Byzantium, where it began as an offshoot of the mosaic and fresco tradition. During the 8th and 9th centuries, the  More »

Russians inherited the tradition of icon painting from Byzantium, where it began as an offshoot of the mosaic and fresco tradition. During the 8th and 9th centuries, the iconoclastic controversy in the Orthodox Church called into question whether religious images were a legitimate practice or sacrilegious idolatry. Although the use of images was in the end permitted, a thorough distinction between profane art intended to depict reality and sacred art designed for spiritual contemplation was established. Certain kinds of balance and harmony became established as reflections of divinity, and as such they invited careful reproduction and subtle refinement rather than striking novelty. Although this philosophy resulted in a comparatively slow evolution of style, icon painting evolved considerably over the centuries. Unlike the pictorial traditions of the west that aspire towards increased realism and naturalism, the essence of Russian icon painting is not about the representation of physical space or appearance. Icons are images intended to aid in contemplative prayer, and in that sense, are more concerned with conveying meditative harmony than with laying out a realistic scene. Crucifixion with Enameled Brass Cross - PF.5705Origin: Russia Circa: 18 th Century AD to 19 th Century ADDimensions: 17.5" (44.5cm) high Collection: Russian Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Paint on Wood Panel   « Less

Christ and God, both crowned and enthroned, share equal prominence in this composition. The Holy Ghost, symbolized by a white dove, can be seen in between the two, slightly  More »

Christ and God, both crowned and enthroned, share equal prominence in this composition. The Holy Ghost, symbolized by a white dove, can be seen in between the two, slightly above the level of their heads, emitting a radiant luminosity. A thick blue ring encloses these holy figures and offsets them from the mass of saints and angels that flank either side. This scene takes place in heaven, symbolically represented by the elegant gold leaf background. Although this background is commonplace is Orthodox iconography, we can be sure that we are actually in heaven due to the representation of the ground. Instead of a terrestrial setting, this scene depicts a celestial setting, and the angels stand on a sea of purple clouds. We are to understand not that this is a divine event occurring on earth, but that we are in the realm of the divine. This is heaven. The four gospel writers are present in their symbolic forms: St. Mark the lion and St. Luke the bull both rising out of the layer of clouds in the center and St. Mathew the angel and St. John the eagle both hovering next to three angels above the blue circle. This composition is simply stunning; as well it should be representing such a significant scene. This icon transports the viewer directly into God’s kingdom in heaven. His son, Christ, is our link to this realm. Through him, we can achieve eternal salvation and join the ranks of the holy, thereby entering this scene ourselves. - (PF.5755)Kingdom in Heaven PF.5755Origin: Russia Circa: 18 th Century AD to 19 th Century ADDimensions: 20.5" (52.1cm) high Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Tempera On Wood   « Less

Russians inherited the tradition of icon painting from Byzantium, where it began as an offshoot of the mosaic and fresco tradition. During the 8th and 9th centuries, the  More »

Russians inherited the tradition of icon painting from Byzantium, where it began as an offshoot of the mosaic and fresco tradition. During the 8th and 9th centuries, the iconoclastic controversy in the Orthodox Church called into question whether religious images were a legitimate practice or sacrilegious idolatry. Although the use of images was in the end permitted, a thorough distinction between profane art intended to depict reality and sacred art designed for spiritual contemplation was established. That difference is one of the reasons that the artistic style of icons can seem so invariant. Certain kinds of balance and harmony became established as reflections of divinity, and as such they invited careful reproduction and subtle refinement rather than striking novelty. Although this philosophy resulted in a comparatively slow evolution of style, icon painting evolved considerably over the centuries. Unlike the pictorial traditions of the west that aspire towards increased realism and naturalism, the essence of Russian icon painting is not about the representation of physical space or appearance. Icons are images intended to aid in contemplative prayer, and in that sense, are more concerned with conveying meditative harmony than with laying out a realistic scene. They were not painted to please the eye of the mind, but to inspire reflection andself-examination.The Twelve Apostles PF.5983Origin: Russia Circa: 19 th Century ADDimensions: 19.5" (49.5cm) high Collection:Russian Icons Style:Russian Orthodox Medium: Oil on Wood Panel   « Less

Russians inherited the tradition of icon painting from Byzantium, where it began as an offshoot of the mosaic and fresco tradition. During the 8th and 9th centuries, the  More »

Russians inherited the tradition of icon painting from Byzantium, where it began as an offshoot of the mosaic and fresco tradition. During the 8th and 9th centuries, the iconoclastic controversy in the Orthodox Church called into question whether religious images were a legitimate practice or sacrilegious idolatry. Although the use of images was in the end permitted, a thorough distinction between profane art intended to depict reality and sacred art designed for spiritual contemplation was established. That difference is one of the reasons that the artistic style of icons can seem so invariant. Certain kinds of balance and harmony became established as reflections of divinity, and as such they invited careful reproduction and subtle refinement rather than striking novelty. Although this philosophy resulted in a comparatively slow evolution of style, icon painting evolved considerably over the centuries. Unlike the pictorial traditions of the west that aspire towards increased realism and naturalism, the essence of Russian icon painting is not about the representation of physical space or appearance. Icons are images intended to aid in contemplative prayer, and in that sense, are more concerned with conveying meditative harmony than with laying out a realistic scene. They were not painted to please the eye of the mind, but to inspire reflection andself-examination.Resurrection and Descent into Hell with Feasts - PF.5973Origin: Russia Circa: 19 th Century ADDimensions: 20.5" (52.1cm) high Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Tempera on Wood   « Less

This icon depicts the Archangel Michael, one of the most celebrated of the Angels and bodiless powers. He is known as the angel of the burning bush through which God spoke to  More »

This icon depicts the Archangel Michael, one of the most celebrated of the Angels and bodiless powers. He is known as the angel of the burning bush through which God spoke to Moses. He was responsible not only for fighting and Satan during the warm but he also leads the celestial armies. In Russian iconography, Archangel Michael is most likely to be wearing red. His head is encircled by a gold halo. In iconographic manners, gold is not considered to be a pigment or a colour, but is likened to light itself. He is depicted as winged and is shown as young, strong and handsome. He wears a coat of mail. His wings are conspicuous and grand. He holds in his hand an orb in his hands. It is believed that the orb carried by the archangel belongs to Christ and represents the kingdom of the enthroned Divine King.Exhibited:'Beyond Byzantium,' New York, 1996.'Icons of Russia,' Chicago, 1995. - (X.0623)Russian Icon of the Archangel Michael - X.0623 Origin: Russia Circa: 17 th Century AD to 18th Century ADDimensions:76.50(194.3cm)highx27.50(69.9cm)wide Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Painted Wood   « Less

Russian Icon Depicting Saint Seraphim - GDC.006Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to 1900 ADDimensions: 8.75" (22.2cm) high x 7" (17.8cm) wide Collection: Russian Icons Medium:  More »

Russian Icon Depicting Saint Seraphim - GDC.006Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to 1900 ADDimensions: 8.75" (22.2cm) high x 7" (17.8cm) wide Collection: Russian Icons Medium: Wood Condition: Very Fine   « Less

Russian Icon of Christ Pantocrator - PF.5943a Origin: Russia Circa: 19 th Century ADDimensions: 13.75" (34.9cm) high x12" (30.5cm) wide Collection: Russian Icons Style:  More »

Russian Icon of Christ Pantocrator - PF.5943a Origin: Russia Circa: 19 th Century ADDimensions: 13.75" (34.9cm) high x12" (30.5cm) wide Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Oil on Wood Condition: Extra Fine   « Less