A pensive Virgin Mary tilts her head slightly to the left in pious meditation. Her beautifully painted face and delicate flowing hair are set off by the golden rays radiating  More »

A pensive Virgin Mary tilts her head slightly to the left in pious meditation. Her beautifully painted face and delicate flowing hair are set off by the golden rays radiating in high relief around her head. The infant Jesus seems protected by the 'canopy' created by the prayerful placing of His mother's hands above Him. He offers His blessings with the left hand raised, as His direct gaze expresses both a youthful bloom in the features and wisdom in the eyes. Their clothing in gilt relief is elaborate and highly detailed, as is the ornate floral border, reminiscent of the baroque style of art in Europe during the 16th and 17th Centuries. Most beautiful, however, is the impression of bliss on the Virgin's face, as if she is aware of her Son'sfateforthebettermentofhumanity. - (PF.5329)The Mother of God - PF.5329Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to 1900 ADDimensions: 13.5"(34.3cmhighx11"(27.9cmwide Catalogue:V25Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Oil on Wood Panel   « Less

With great sensitivity, the artist has depicted the central Trinity of the Christian faith: God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Dove of the Holy Spirit. Through the  More »

With great sensitivity, the artist has depicted the central Trinity of the Christian faith: God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Dove of the Holy Spirit. Through the influence of the Baroque is felt in the atmospheric setting, the artistic tradition to which the central figures belong stretches back to early Byzantium. As if engaged in conversation, they sit with the globe between them, images of infinite power and compassion. Gaining beauty with the passage of time, this icon remains a magnificent testament to an enduring faith. - (PF.1240) The Holy Trinity - PF.1240Origin: Russia Circa: 1800 AD to 1900 ADCollection: Russian Icons Style: School Of St. Petersburg Medium: Wood   « Less

In the Eastern Orthodox Church Anna and Joachim, the aged parents of the virgin, were venerated as saints, this exquisite icon illustrates numerous scenes from their lives.  More »

In the Eastern Orthodox Church Anna and Joachim, the aged parents of the virgin, were venerated as saints, this exquisite icon illustrates numerous scenes from their lives. The central image is of the parents gazing in awe at their newborn daughter, whose glorious future is predicted by a halo of blazing light. This also suggests Mary’s unique birth as the only individual free from original sin. God in heaven presides over this scene, which takes place in a grand palace in the baroque style. In the background, Anna and Joachim are shown meeting before the gates of Jerusalem, while two more scenes from their lives fill the corners. The artist has used a grandiose style heavily influenced by contemporary tastes. The icon glows with deep reds and bright golds, ornate curves and massive architecture. It is at once an illustration of human events, and a testament to ancient faith. - (PF.2125)Scenes from the Lives of St. Anna and St. Joachim - PF.2125Origin: Russia Circa: 1700 AD to 1800 ADDimensions: 15.75" (40.0cm) highx13.25"(33.7cm) wide Collection: Russian Icons Style: St. Petersburg School Medium: Tempera on Wood   « Less

Inseparable fromtheliturgicaltradition,religiousartisseenby Orthodox Christians as a form of pictorial confession of faith and a channel of religious experience. Because the  More »

Inseparable fromtheliturgicaltradition,religiousartisseenby Orthodox Christians as a form of pictorial confession of faith and a channel of religious experience. Because the icons provide a direct personal contact with the holy persons represented on them, these images should be objects of veneration, in either a public or private setting, and were even believed to have the ability to heal.Saint Luke is patron saint of physicians, artist, butchers, and brewers. A doctor himself, he was fabled for having painted the first portrait of the Virgin Mary. Author of the Gospels According to St. Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, he was a lifelong companion of Saint Paul and stayed with him until his last imprisonment. In this round icon, we see a bearded Luke holding the edges of a book with his right hand. No doubt an allusion to his vital accounts of the life of Christ. He wears a golden yellow robe over a bluish garment, looking off to one side in a concentrated gaze. A thin gold halo encircles his head and reinforces his sainthood. The icon is painted with a thick impasto allowing us to pinpoint actual brushstroke. This is a beautiful representation of a central figure in Christianity and one of four Gospel writers. - (PF.5592)Saint Luke - PF.5592Origin: Russia Circa: 18 th Century AD to 19 th Century ADDimensions: 9.25" (23.5cm) high Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Oil on Wood Panel   « Less

Inseparable from the liturgical tradition, religious art is seen by Orthodox Christians as a form of pictorial confession of faith and a channel of religious experience.  More »

Inseparable from the liturgical tradition, religious art is seen by Orthodox Christians as a form of pictorial confession of faith and a channel of religious experience. Because the icons provide a direct personal contact with the holy persons represented on them, these images should be objects of veneration, in either a public or private setting, and were even believed to have the ability to heal.The icon of the Mother of the Sign is one of the most venerated icons of Russia. Icons such as these usually depict a central panel with the Mother of God in an orans pose (prayerfully uplifted hands), and the Divine Infant, at her bosom, usually surrounded by a circular mandorla. - (PF.5594)The Mother of God of the Sign - PF.5594Origin: Russia Circa: 18 th Century AD to 19 th Century ADDimensions: 10.375" (26.4cm) high Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Oil on Wood Panel   « Less

nseparable from the liturgical tradition, religious art is seen by Orthodox Christians as a form of pictorial confession of faith and a channel of religious experience.  More »

nseparable from the liturgical tradition, religious art is seen by Orthodox Christians as a form of pictorial confession of faith and a channel of religious experience. Because the icons provide a direct personal contact with the holy persons represented on them, these images should be objects of veneration, in either a public or private setting, and were even believed to have the ability to heal.Here, we see the Virgin Mary with the Christ child. Both their faces have grown dark due to the aging of the linseed oil varnish used to protect the paint beneath. The scale of the two figures is fantastic as the Virgin dominates the composition. The linear style of the robes is derived from Byzantine icon, typical of Russian Orthodox paintings. Both figures are crowned by thin gold halos. This work, like many icons, seeks to combine the familiar and the divine into one. This is both mother and child, and Mary and Christ. They are both human, like us; yet holy, worthy of our adoration and veneration. - (PF.5596)The Mother of God of Kazan - PF.5596Origin: Russia Circa:18th Century ADto19th Century ADDimensions14.25"(36.2cmhigh Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Tempera on Wood   « Less

This painting is a direct rendition of perhaps the most famous Russian icon created by celebrated 15th-century Russian artist Andrei Rublev. The scene depicts the three  More »

This painting is a direct rendition of perhaps the most famous Russian icon created by celebrated 15th-century Russian artist Andrei Rublev. The scene depicts the three angels who appeared to Abraham near the oaks of Mamre, described in Genesis 18:2-15. The style typifies Orthodox icon painting with its strong linearity, flattened space, and colors that were originally much more intense, all derived from Byzantine paintings and mosaics. While the artist borrows heavily from Rublev, there are still some unique innovations such as the increasingly naturalistic crag in the background. As well, this painter added a dish of olives or nuts that the angel on the right reaches for. Clearly, though, the artist pays homage to Rublev, revealing how dominant his example was throughout the centuries. Rublev’s art had more influence on the stylistic tendencies of Russian icon paintings than any other artist since the Byzantine era. This splendid icon is both an object of veneration for the worshipper of Christ and a tribute to the greatest Russian icon painter of them all. - (PF.5598)The Old Testament Trinity - PF.5598Origin:Russia Circa: 19 th Century ADto20th Century ADDimensions:10.375"(26.4cmhigh Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Tempera on Wood   « Less

This icon is a representation of Christ Pantocrator, the awesome ruler of the universe. He holds a book inscribed in Cyrillic text, probably the Bible, in his left hand, a  More »

This icon is a representation of Christ Pantocrator, the awesome ruler of the universe. He holds a book inscribed in Cyrillic text, probably the Bible, in his left hand, a testament to his redemption. With his right hand, he makes a sign of benediction, blessing us. A large golden halo surrounds his head, evidence of his divinity. Stylistically, much of the painting is derived from earlier Byzantine mosaics and paintings, typical of Orthodox art. This influence can be seen in the linear, angular folds of his drapery and the relative spatial isolation of the image without any elaboration of environment or setting. Christ looks out at us from heaven, symbolized by the formerly golden background. Unfortunately, the varnish used to seal and protect the paint has darkened over time, subduing the vibrancy of much of the work, including the background. However, the glory of this icon has not faded or darkened at all, it is as clear and luminous as it ever was. - (PF.5684)Christ Pantocrator - PF.5684Origin:Russia Circa:19th Century ADDimensions:10.625" (27.0cm) high Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Oil on Wood Panel   « Less

In the main panel of this icon, three saints are represented standing, each holding a golden Bible. These saints are from left to right: Gregory the Theologian, Basil the  More »

In the main panel of this icon, three saints are represented standing, each holding a golden Bible. These saints are from left to right: Gregory the Theologian, Basil the Great, and John Chrysostomos. Together, with St. Athanasius who is depicted on the upper left border, these figures make up the four founders of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Above them, Christ Pantocrator, the awesome ruler of the universe, appears out of the parting clouds, looking down on them. Other figures painted on the side borders of the icon are Martha in the upper right and Saint Cyril, the “apostle of the Slavs” and creator of the Cyrillic alphabet, shown as a child at his mother Ulita’s side. Stylistically, much is derived from earlier Byzantine paintings and mosaics including the elongation of the human form, the linear, angular handling of the drapery, and the lack of any setting or environment aside from the flat golden background symbolizing heaven. Clearly this icon seeks to harmonize all the influential figures and founders of the Eastern Church together. They stand united, side-by-side, underneath Christ, the ruler of heaven. - (PF.5687)The Pillars of Orthodoxy - PF.5687Origin: Russia Circa: 19 th Century ADDimensions: 12.25" (31.1cm) high Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Tempera on Wood   « Less

This icon represents Mary, with the infant Christ on her lap, seated upon a throne, surrounded by saints. Saint Zacharias stands on the left while Maria stands on the right,  More »

This icon represents Mary, with the infant Christ on her lap, seated upon a throne, surrounded by saints. Saint Zacharias stands on the left while Maria stands on the right, both hold out their hands as if presenting this scene. Unfortunately, the names of the other two main saints have worn off with time; however, they must be of great importance to be so close to the Madonna. An architectural illumination, consisting primarily of a crosshatched pattern, delineates the throne from the golden background. Stylistically, much is derived from earlier Byzantine paintings and mosaics, including the elongation of the human form, the linear, angular handling of drapery and the lack of any setting or environment. This is a holy scene; the surrounding saints look on with awe and reverence, as we too should. - (PF.5689)The Madonna Pechorskye PF.5689Origin:Russia Circa:19th Century ADDimensions: 12.25" (31.1cm) high Collection:Russian Icons Style:Russian Orthodox Medium: Tempera on Wood   « Less