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 or the mind, but to inspire reflection and self-examination. Christ Pantocrator - PF.5943Origin: Russia Circa: 19 th Century ADDimensions: 12" (30.5cm) high Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Oklad/Oil 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.This icon has been segmented into four partitions, divided by a central image of the crucifixion. The scenes filling the corners are as follows clockwise starting from the upper left: the Adoration of the Magi; St. John the Baptist; a saint (possibly St. Thomas); and St. Nicholas Miracle Worker. In the central crucifixion, Christ is flanked by Mary on his left and St. John the Evangelist on his right. God the father and the Holy Spirit represented by a dove look down from above while the bones of Adam rest at the feet of the cross. This powerful icon unites several traditional scenes all in one carefully constructed composition that glows with the luminous gold leaf as if illuminated by the light of heaven. - (PF.5974)   « Less

The central panel depicts the Resurrection of Christ and the Descent into Hell. These scenes are surrounded by twelve smaller panels depicting events honored by major church  More »

The central panel depicts the Resurrection of Christ and the Descent into Hell. These scenes are surrounded by twelve smaller panels depicting events honored by major church festivals. They are as follows, starting from the upper left and moving clockwise: the Nativity of the Virgin, the Presentation of the Virgin at the Temple, the Annunciation, the Nativity of Christ, The Baptism of Christ, the Transfiguration of Christ, the Dormition of the Virgin, the Elevation of the Cross, the Old Testament Trinity, The Assumption of the Virgin, Christ’s Entry into Jerusalem, and the Presentation of Christ at the Temple. Representations of the four gospel writers fill the corners along the engraved border.Together,thisspectacular icon represents the central theme of Christianity. Most impressive is how much iconography the painter managed to squeeze into such a limited space. Painted with stunning detail and minute ascents throughout, this icon is a true work of beauty that glows when the light shines againstitsluminousgoldleafbackground.-(PF.5979)The Resurrection and Descent into Hell - PF.5979Origin: Russia Circa: 18 th Century AD to 19 th Century ADDimensions: 14" (35.6cm) 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 themosaicandfresco 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 themosaicandfresco 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 theend permitted, athoroughdistinctionbetweenprofaneartintendedtodepictrealityandsacredartdesignedforspiritualcontemplation 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.The light reflects off the gold leaf decorating this stunning icon as if illuminated by the light of heaven. The focus of the composition is a large brass crucifix that has been fitted into the wood panel. Bits of white and blue enamel highlights are still visible. The detailed casting of the brass is extraordinary. God rules from above flanked by two angels. A dove is positioned above the cross, completing the Holy Trinity. Buildings and plants are present at the foot of the cross. The amount of detail fitted into such a small space is extraordinary. However, much the same could be said about the painting. On the upper corners, the Descent from the Cross and the Entombment have be depicted, revealing the aftermath of the Crucifixion. Below, a series of saints stand faithfully by, witnessing the sacrifice of their lord. Clearly the focus of this icon is on the spectacular brass Crucifixion. The surrounding saints pay reverence to this event much as we the viewer kneels before the icon in awe. - (PF.5996)   « Less

The Ascension of Christ took place on the Mount of Olives, and in this icon, The Virgin is flanked by thetwelve Apostles - (L.C778)The Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ -  More »

The Ascension of Christ took place on the Mount of Olives, and in this icon, The Virgin is flanked by thetwelve Apostles - (L.C778)The Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ - L.C778Origin: Russia Circa: 1850 AD to 1900 ADCollection:Russian Icons Style: Saint Petersburg Schoo;l Condition: Very Fine   « Less

Russian Icon Depicting the Resurrection - GDC.022Origin: Russia Circa: 1850 AD to 1920 ADDimensions:17.5"(44.5cm) high x 14.5" (36.8cm) wide Collection: Russian Icon Style:  More »

Russian Icon Depicting the Resurrection - GDC.022Origin: Russia Circa: 1850 AD to 1920 ADDimensions:17.5"(44.5cm) high x 14.5" (36.8cm) wide Collection: Russian Icon Style: Russian icons Condition: Very Fine   « Less

The crucifixion is one of the most powerful visual images in the world--whether as a monumental work of art in a great cathedral or a more humble devotional object for  More »

The crucifixion is one of the most powerful visual images in the world--whether as a monumental work of art in a great cathedral or a more humble devotional object for private worship. This lovely cross falls into the latter category, used for home chapels, taken on journeys and for private meditation. The Christ figure is beautifully modeled showing folds of clothing around the waist and the emaciated body of the crucified savior. Above his halo is theinscription"Our King", while either side of His head is written "Son of God". On the upper portion is depicted the Holy Trinity, with God the Father offering His blessings, flanked by two kneeling angels and the Holy Spirit in the center in the form of a dove. Golgotha, the infamous hill of execution, is graphically represented below, comprising stone towers, skulls andtwisted foliage against a background of rich blue sky and billowy white clouds. The reverse states: "God the Keeper of the Whole Universe, the Creator of the Beauty of the Church, the power of Tzars, is the true Faith which is proclaimed everywhere." Upon this basically simple form we see heaven and earth, spiritual and temporal, integrated so elegantly it is as if we are peering through a veil into the mysteries of the Christian religion. -(PF.5173)Russian Enameled Brass Cross - PF.5173Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to 1900 ADDimensions: 13.25" (33.7cm) high x 7" (17.8cm) wide Collection: Russian Crosses Medium: Enameled Brass   « Less

Beautifully engraved on this fine cross is the dramatic and poignant scene of Christ's passion. His emaciated body is vividly detailed, with His head falling to one side to  More »

Beautifully engraved on this fine cross is the dramatic and poignant scene of Christ's passion. His emaciated body is vividly detailed, with His head falling to one side to suggest this is the exact moment of death, and hence the beginning of resurrection and re-birth. The Trinity is shown with God the Father above giving His blessings, while two angels kneel either side of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove. We are offered here a variety of perspectives; first looking downwards upon the rough folds of the sepulchral Golgotha hills; then lifting upwards to the horizon line of distant Jerusalem with a deep blue sky and clouds in the background. Moving upwards the spatial area clears, and in a sense looses perspective, as if we are seeing heaven where there are no spatial boundaries. On the reverse is inscribed: "God the Keeper of the Whole Universe, the Creator of the Beauty of the Church,the Powerof Tzars,isthetrue Faithwhichisproclaimedeverywhere." Heaven and earth, death and eternal life, are exquisitely depicted on this lovely cross. -(PF.5174)Enameled Brass Cross - PF.5174Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to 1900 ADDimensions: 10.5" (26.7cm) high x 5.25" (13.3cm) wide Collection: Russian Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Enameled Brass Condition: Mint   « Less

Within the small context of this fine cross is contained the imagery fundamental to the basic narrative of Christianity. The crucified Christ appears to be at the moment of  More »

Within the small context of this fine cross is contained the imagery fundamental to the basic narrative of Christianity. The crucified Christ appears to be at the moment of death, which marks the beginning of renewed life through the resurrection. Inscribed on His halo are letters standing for "King of Glory". God the Father looks down upon His only begotten Son, while two angels appear to swoop down towards the top of the cross. The cruelty of death is graphically depicted at the bottom by a skull and the tangled growth of the sepulchral Golgotha. The scene lightens with beautiful rolling hills in white, blue and green offering a nice perspective of Jerusalem in the distance. The sky behind Christ seems to open up, as if a passage to heaven is revealed, with the sun and moon in the upper corners symbolizing the solar system juxtaposed to the spiritual world of the realm of God. Most likely usedforprivateworship,thiscrossexpresses the beauty of the Christian faith, combining ornate decoration with humility inarefinedobjectofsimpledevotion. - (PF.5175)Russian Brass Cross With Enamel - PF.5175Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to1900ADDimensions: 6.75" (17.1cm) high x 4.25" (10.8cm) wide Collection: Russian Medium: Brass   « Less

One of the most beautiful and poignant images known to the world, the crucifixion has been a source of inspiration to artists for centuries; and of course to untold numbers  More »

One of the most beautiful and poignant images known to the world, the crucifixion has been a source of inspiration to artists for centuries; and of course to untold numbers of the faithful. This combination of faith and artistry finds perfect balance in this fine cross. The crucified savior occupies the central area, with God the Father above offering His blessings bordered by two genuflecting angels. Above Christ's halo is the inscription reading "Our King"; while on either side of His head is written "Son of God". The place of execution, Golgotha, is dramatically represented by dense foliage--harsh and cruel-- a single skull, with a Medieval Russian style Jerusalem in the background. Then the space clears as if rising to heaven, where there are angels and divine inscriptions floating in the sky. On the reverse is written: God the Keeper of the Whole Universe, the Creator of the Beauty of the Church, the Power of Tzars, is the true Faith which is proclaimed everywhere." Within the narrow confines of this cross is beautifully engraved the wealth of the Christian faith. - (PF.5176)Russian Brass Cross - PF.5176Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to 1900 ADDimensions: 14.125" (35.9cm) high Collection: Russian Crosses Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Brass   « Less