On this intricately and delicately engraved plaque one of the most beloved Saints offers us his benedictions. In his left hand he holds a book bearing the inscription: "In  More »

On this intricately and delicately engraved plaque one of the most beloved Saints offers us his benedictions. In his left hand he holds a book bearing the inscription: "In time he brought the cross to the people". Nicholas is flanked by two small male and female figures floating within clouds. Surrounding him are fifteen saints, each individualized with distinctive gestures and holding a cross or holy book. Christ is seen inside the upper central roundel giving his blessings, with the Virgin Mary on his left and St. John the Baptist at right. The clever use of white and blue enamel gives the impression of clouds floating behind the saints, both realistic in effect and also suggestive of the heavens beyond. Designed for private worship, this lovely plaque captures the essence of the Christian faith, portrayed with a blend of ornateness and simple piety. - (PF.5172)Plaque Depicting St. Nicholas - PF.5172Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to 1900 ADDimensions: 8.375" (21.3cm) high Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Enameled Brass   « Less

In the center of this remarkable icon, the face of Christ looks upon us with loving compassion, while two angels peer over His nimbus. Beginning upper left clockwise, the  More »

In the center of this remarkable icon, the face of Christ looks upon us with loving compassion, while two angels peer over His nimbus. Beginning upper left clockwise, the Virgin Mary sings a liturgy to a gathering of local saints, with a church and bell tower in the distance. Christ's baptism by St. John the Forerunner is watched over by three angels, two of whom hold clothing. The Dormition, or 'falling asleep' of the Virgin Mary is next. She lies on a bed surrounded by saints and angels, seen at the moment of the death of her earthly body and the ascension of her soul. She is pictured below holding the infant Jesus, depicted in a manner similar to late Byzantine iconography. The Virgin is next seen holding the baby Jesus in an attractive indoor setting, while Joseph kneels before them. Two angels and a saint appear on an open ground bearing the inscription, "the birth of God is a denunciation of all that is evil." The head of St. John the Baptist on a platter is graphically depicted, recalling the whim of Salome in demanding his death. Above, the Virgin and Child are shown in a manner different from the opposite panel; her clothing is just as sumptuous, though here she wears a crown. Vivid use of color with brilliant reds and lavender, along with more muted shades of rose and brown, contribute to the unusual aspect of the scenes--resulting inaworkofsimplebeautyandsophisticatedornamentation.-(PF.5178)Nine-Part Icon - PF.5178Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to 1900 ADDimensions: 21" (53.3cm) high x 17.25"(43.8cm)wide Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Oil on Wood Panel   « Less

Jesus Christ said of St. John the Baptist, "Among those who are born of women there is not a greater prophet." (Luke VII.28). About 27 B.C. John emerged from the desert to  More »

Jesus Christ said of St. John the Baptist, "Among those who are born of women there is not a greater prophet." (Luke VII.28). About 27 B.C. John emerged from the desert to announce, "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." Those who confessed their sins were then washed in the river Jordan. So powerful was John's preaching that he baptized some of Christ’s apostles and Jesus Himself. This unique icon shows this important event, done in the 'Oklad' style with an ornate silver gilt cover over oil on panel. Christ is most dramatically depicted naked, humble in the act of being baptized; one who Himself was to give His blessings to humanity, "fulfilling all that is righteous." (Matthew 5:17). The act is watched over by three angels and God the Father in Heaven. All of them, like the Baptist, are in a sense 'shielded' from the world, leaving only Christ vulnerable and exposed--true to His nature of being human and divine. - (PF.5181)The Baptism of Christ - PF.5181Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to 1900 ADDimensions: 12.25" (31.1cm) high x 10.5" (26.7cm) wide Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Oil On Wood Panel   « Less

Within their realistically modeled "garments" of gilt silver the Virgin and Child are shown as the infant Jesus offers His benedictions with right hand raised. His mother  More »

Within their realistically modeled "garments" of gilt silver the Virgin and Child are shown as the infant Jesus offers His benedictions with right hand raised. His mother leans her head tenderly towards Him, while looking out towards the viewer in pride at presenting her Son to the world. Their darkened faces are beautifully detailed depicting a variety of emotions-- compassion, tenderness and love-- all directed outwards, and yet also contained within themselves. With the skillful use of textural contrasts in metal and the smooth rich surface of paint the artist has created a lovely icon of devotion.- (PF.5182)The Mother of God of Kazan - PF.5182Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to 1900 ADDimensions: 8.25" (21.0cm) high x 6.5" (16.5cm) wide Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Oil on Wood Panel   « Less

This icon was once owned by the hospital of the St. Virgin the Healerin St.Petersburg.Accordingtothestoryassociatedwith it, a friar of the church of Nazarene was very ill and  More »

This icon was once owned by the hospital of the St. Virgin the Healerin St.Petersburg.Accordingtothestoryassociatedwith it, a friar of the church of Nazarene was very ill and near death. On the day of the Holy Bliss he was healed as if by an angelic miracle. The icon shows the sick man lying in bed propped up on a thick pillow. The Virgin stands next to him with white rays of light emanating from her crown and from her hand. A heavy green drape frames the left side, while a lone cypress tree can be seen through the archway at right, stark against the night sky. From this simple scene we derive a comforting message, of renewed health both physical and spiritual through prayer, and the sense thatmiraculous intervention is possible in an hour of need. - (PF.5183)The Virgin Mary the Healer - PF.5183Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to 1900 ADDimensions: 11.75(29.8cm)highx10(25.4cm)wide Collection:Russian Icons Style:Russian Orthodox Medium: Oil on Wood Panel   « Less

At the center of this very lovely icon stands the much-adored Prince Alexander ("Nevsky"). He is portrayed as both a great military leader and a saint; a national hero who  More »

At the center of this very lovely icon stands the much-adored Prince Alexander ("Nevsky"). He is portrayed as both a great military leader and a saint; a national hero who won a crucial battle against the Crusaders, and a "Savior" who was believed to be divinely inspired by God. In the back row we see, from left to right, the prophet Isaiah, St. Xenia, Prince Michael and St. Andrew. Four important personages flank Prince Alexander. Dressed in a radiant flowing robe is St. Mary Magdalen holding a cup symbolizing the Eucharist. Next to her St. Olga holds the cross as emblem of death and resurrection. One of the first Russian Christians Olga was also a talented politician who paved the way for the Christianizing of Russia. St. George is at the left of Alexander, carrying a spear to demonstrate his ability to protect the nation. With the Holy Bible in one hand St. Nicholas offers his blessings, dressed in very beautiful vestments. This icon represents not only a "holy" scene, but also a grouping of individuals who played a significant part in Russian history, both in a temporal and a sacred context. - (PF.5198)Prince Alexander - PF.5198Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to 1900 ADDimensions: 14" (35.6cm) high x 12.25" (31.1cm) wide Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Tempera On Wood   « Less

This exquisite icon is an embodiment of the pictorial tradition of early Russian medieval art. Four Russian saints are positioned in pairs on either side of the Archangel  More »

This exquisite icon is an embodiment of the pictorial tradition of early Russian medieval art. Four Russian saints are positioned in pairs on either side of the Archangel Michael, who holds a cloth with the portrait of Christ. At far left is Saint Theodore with a cross looking in the direction of the angel. Next to him Saint Modest, dressed in a beautiful red robe, holds the Holy book while offering his blessings. He was a patriarch of Jerusalem and regarded as a protector of cattle from disease. On Michael's left is the venerable Saint Vasiley also holding the sacred book with both hands. The youthful Saint Laurus looks upon the holy gathering with a slightly quizzical expression, and carries a small cross with his right hand. He is traditionally associated with the Archangel Michael, who taught both he and his brother Florus the art of riding. Interesting perspective is given with a finely painted horse and rider in the foreground as they approach a group of three horses quietly drinking at a pool. This gentle genre scene contrasts beautifully with the "heavenly" scene above, merging the real with the spiritual in awaythatisbothcharmingandmoving.-(PF.5199)Archangel Michael with Four Saints - PF.5199Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to 1900 ADDimensions: 14" (35.6cm) high x 11.75" (29.8cm) wide Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Oil on Wood Panel   « Less

The imagery on this handsome icon is done in the "Lubok" style, which retained the highly stylized quality of Byzantine iconography. On the central panel of the upper section  More »

The imagery on this handsome icon is done in the "Lubok" style, which retained the highly stylized quality of Byzantine iconography. On the central panel of the upper section we see Christ after His resurrection, surrounded by a "Holy Glow" while greeting His disciples. This is the main theme of the icon as indicated by the words above the border stating, "Resurrection of Christ". The Virgin Mary is seen at left with the infant Jesus, opposite to St. Nicholas the "Miracle Worker". The middle panel shows the Archangel Stephan in white surrounded by a venerable group comprising (from left to right) Saints Vasiley, Gregory, John, the Guardian Angel Izocy, St. Sava and Saints Florus and Laurus. Saint George is at the bottom left riding his white steed spearing a dragon. Three female saints occupy the central panel, (from left to right), are Saints Martha, Catherine and Ann. Standing alone at right is Saint Nikita, offering his blessings with his right hand raised. Within the finely detailed decorative border and against a background of brilliant gold, we have gathered here saints and angels of utmost importance to Russian religious life; all of who are richly colored and full of expression and holy mystery. - (PF.5200)Septpartite Icon - PF.5200Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 ADto1900ADDimensions:14(35.6cm) high x 12" (30.5cm) wide Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Oil on Wood Panel   « Less

Three images of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus comprise the central theme of this fascinating icon. The inscription at the top reads, "Comfort me in my sorrows, the  More »

Three images of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus comprise the central theme of this fascinating icon. The inscription at the top reads, "Comfort me in my sorrows, the Holy Mother of God." While at bottom is written, "Lost souls are found. The Holy Mother of God." Eight saints line the outer edge on either side. Clockwise, (from upper left corner), they are Saints John the Baptist, Martyr Vasiley (Basil), John, Helena, George, Xenia and Saint Anthony. In the center a small but powerful image of the Archangel Michael faces us, with his wings only outlined in black to give the clever impression of lightness. The scene at the bottom right represents Joseph kneeling before the Virgin and Child. From his mouth comes the words, "How did this transpire?". And Mary replies, "For the sake of the sinners of the world." The plaque on the altar follows this sentiment, "People cannot live without the Word. Make it your everyday rule to pray to the Mother of God, with words like the voice of an angel, to make the Virgin glad." Against the lustrous background of gold, the wonderfully colorful figures burst with life and the life of the spirit, for the sake of the pious and those searching for a pious life. - (PF.5201)Four Representations of the Mother of God - PF.5201Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to 1900 ADDimensions: 13.75" (34.9cm) high x 12" (30.5cm) wide Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Tempera On Wood   « Less

St. Nicholas, known as the "Second Redeemer", is one of the most important and popular saints in the Russian Orthodox Church. His good works and exemplary life led to his  More »

St. Nicholas, known as the "Second Redeemer", is one of the most important and popular saints in the Russian Orthodox Church. His good works and exemplary life led to his veneration after his death. Sainthood resulted from these good deeds being ascribed to miracles, given credibility by Nicholas's personal holiness. On this very fine icon he is shown holding the book of the Gospels with his left hand, while making a sign of blessing with his right. The inscription reads, “At a time of unrest and uncertainty, Your disciples went into the world, and this is the fruit of Your labor and Holy name." In the upper corners Christ and the Virgin Mary look down from heaven upon one of Their blessed saints. The simple piety of the message is here enriched by fine line, ornate details and the powerful expression of the saint himself. - (PF.5203)Saint Nicholas - PF.5203Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to 1900 ADDimensions: 10" (25.4cm) high x 8.75" (22.2cm) wide Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Brass   « Less