This intriguing icon represents the "Feast Days and the Exaltation of the Mother of God." The upper portion shows the Virgin Mary at the center surrounded by adoring saints  More »

This intriguing icon represents the "Feast Days and the Exaltation of the Mother of God." The upper portion shows the Virgin Mary at the center surrounded by adoring saints and watched over by God the Father. The scene on the upper left depicts the 'Mother of God of Tikhvin' with Alexander Svirsky, Cyril Belozersky and four bishops. Next is the 'Mother of God of Vladimir' with the 'Holy Fools' Maxime and Basil and four saintly Metropolitans of Moscow-- Peter, Jonah, Alexei and Philip. The panel below depicts the 'Mother of God of the sign of Novgorod' with Antony Rimlyanin, Archbishop Leonty and other saints. The last panel shows the 'Mother of God of Smolensk' with Anthony and Theodosius of the Monastery of the Caves in Kiev. In each section the figures are grouped in such a way as to allow for an area of landscape below the portrait of the Madonna. The beauty of this icon derives from the extremely detailed figuration and ornamentation, set against a lovely blue background, combining artistry with piety in a context that is eternal. - (PF.5237)Section of a Brass Traveling Icon - PF.5237Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to 1900 ADDimensions: 6.75" (17.1cm) high x 4.25" (10.8cm) wide Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Enameled Brass   « Less

Designed for the "Feast Days and the Exaltation of the Holy Cross", this fine icon celebrates the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on the top panel. Here we see gathered  More »

Designed for the "Feast Days and the Exaltation of the Holy Cross", this fine icon celebrates the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on the top panel. Here we see gathered venerable members of the Orthodox Church wearing elaborate vestments. In the upper left panel Christ is seen after His Resurrection greeting His bewildered disciples. His Ascension is next as He rises upwards on a cloud, while His adoring flock raises their arms in adoration. Below this scene is the Dormition ('falling asleep') of the Virgin Mary, at which time she was taken from her earthly life body and soul into Heaven, i.e. her 'Assumption'. The last represents the 'The Hospitality of Abraham' when God appeared to him in the form of three angels, (or the Holy Trinity), and he offered his guests food and drink. Very fine detail is evident in the trees, buildings, indoor architectural ornamentations and stylized clouds; all of which contribute to the drama of these most dramatic scenes. - (PF.5238) Section of a Brass Traveling Icon - PF.5238Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to 1900 ADDimensions: 6" (15.2cm) high x 3.75" (9.5cm) wide Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Brass   « Less

From this icon Jesus Christ looks upon us as if from heaven. Yet, He also sees us from the human level as well, deep into our hearts, offering His blessings with His right  More »

From this icon Jesus Christ looks upon us as if from heaven. Yet, He also sees us from the human level as well, deep into our hearts, offering His blessings with His right hand. In His left He holds an open book upon which is written, "and the golden hour will come, when the kingdom of kingdoms will rule." On either side of Christ is the inscription "Lord Theocrator". Set against a black background covered with delightful foliage, the figure stands out even more vividly. Touches of white add further dimension and serves to direct the eyes to the intense expression of Christ, whose eyes seem both open and shut, appropriate to a nature that was both human and divine. - (PF.5239)Section of an Enameled Brass Traveling Icon - PF.5239Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to 1900 ADDimensions: 6.25" (15.9cm) high x 5.5" (14.0cm) wide Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Enameled Brass   « Less

This panel was once part of a four-panel icon used for the "Feast Days and the Exaltation of the Mother of God." Exaltation of the Holy Cross is the theme on the upper  More »

This panel was once part of a four-panel icon used for the "Feast Days and the Exaltation of the Mother of God." Exaltation of the Holy Cross is the theme on the upper portion, with high-ranking members of the Orthodox Church, dressed in ornate vestments, adoring the instrument of Christ's death. The architectural background shows domes in the medieval Russian style. Christ's Resurrection is shown on the upper right panel, with His Ascension next, then the Dormition ('falling asleep') of the Virgin Mary, and finally the Holy Trinity. The supernatural aspect of Jesus' life is the subject of these five scenes; done in such a way, (following European tradition), as to make the supernatural seem real, and thus bringing even closer the divine nature of Jesus Christ. - (PF.5241)Section of a Brass Traveling Icon - PF.5241Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to 1900 ADDimensions: 7" (17.8cm)highx4.25(10.8cm)wide Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Brass   « Less

A pair of Continental angel figures with trumpets, hand-colored prints on gold paper with gold leaf highlights, in Period Gothic Revival hand-carved oak frames with original  More »

A pair of Continental angel figures with trumpets, hand-colored prints on gold paper with gold leaf highlights, in Period Gothic Revival hand-carved oak frames with original wood backing, the frames decorated in fleurs-di-lis, quatrefoils, etc. Probably French. c. 1880. Dimensions: 15 3/8" H x 6 1/2" W   « Less

The representation of Christ offering his blessings while holding the Holy Book is very popular in Orthodox Russian iconography. The text reads, "Come to Me, all you who are  More »

The representation of Christ offering his blessings while holding the Holy Book is very popular in Orthodox Russian iconography. The text reads, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavily burdened, and I will refresh you." This message is particularly important since Christ is here seen as both man and God, wearing splendid sacerdotal robes while surrounded by a halo, indicating His divine nature. The figure in low relief seems to be emerging from thick foliage, as from the garden of Gethsemane, with a very attractive sky blue in the background. Once part of a triptych; this panel, nonetheless, stands alone as an expression of Christ's compassion and love for humanity. - (PF.5243)Section of an Enameled Brass Traveling Icon - PF.5243 Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to 1900 ADDimensions: 5.25" (13.3cm) highx5(12.7cm) wide Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Enameled Brass   « Less

Traveling icons were made at a time when journeys were long and arduous, and places of worship few and far between. Pious Christians would therefore take with them their own  More »

Traveling icons were made at a time when journeys were long and arduous, and places of worship few and far between. Pious Christians would therefore take with them their own icons for private worship while on the road. The main theme of this handsome panel centers around the more mystical aspects of Christianity. At the top is the Exaltation of the Holy Cross by high-ranking members of the Orthodox Church, dressed in their splendid vestments. From the upper left corner clockwise is the Resurrection, the Ascension of Christ, the Dormition ('falling asleep') of the Virgin Mary, and the Virgin enthroned. These four scenes emphasize the crucial idea of life after death, of the coming kingdom of God, and salvation for all mankind. It is no wonder then that such icons as this one brought comfort to weary travelers on their earthly andspiritualjourneys.-(PF.5244)Sectionofa Brass Traveling Icon -PF.5244Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to 1900 ADDimensions: 7" (17.8cm) high x 4.25" (10.8cm) wide Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Brass   « Less

The image of the Virgin Mary is seen here with her head tilted to the right, as she holds an open book. On it is written, "Lord, full of grace, Lord Jesus, my Son, my God,  More »

The image of the Virgin Mary is seen here with her head tilted to the right, as she holds an open book. On it is written, "Lord, full of grace, Lord Jesus, my Son, my God, hear the prayers of your Mother." The intricate foliage surrounding her is set against an effective background of dark and light blue, which gives an even greater perspective to the low relief of the figure. As a result of the divine revelation by the angel Gabriel (the Annunciation), Mary gave voice to the song of praise and thanksgiving known as the Magnificat, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my savior." (Luke I, 39 - 56). On the reverse is the empty cross, with Jerusalem behind, depicted as a medieval Russian town. Both the front and back of this icon appear as if from a page of a precious illuminated manuscript-- turned to bronze, and thus becoming as eternal as the faith for which it was made. - (PF.5246)Section of an Enameled Brass Traveling Icon - PF.5246Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to 1900 ADDimensions: 5" (12.7cm) high x 4.75" (12.1cm) wide Collection: Russian Icons Style: Russian Orthodox Medium: Enameled Brass   « Less

The human and divine life of Christ is depicted on this icon in five separate panels. The upper area represents the purely mystical union of Christ with God the Father,  More »

The human and divine life of Christ is depicted on this icon in five separate panels. The upper area represents the purely mystical union of Christ with God the Father, overseen by the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, thus forming the Holy Trinity. This marked the culmination of Christ's earthly ordeals and suffering, once having risen to the right hand of God as part of the Divine Being. Below, from left to right, is the presentation of the infant Jesus in the temple, His baptism by St. John the 'Forerunner', Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and His transfiguration. The richly ornamented reverse of the icon shows the empty cross with Jerusalem depicted as a medieval Russian town in the background. Each of these scenes on the front combine the natural with the supernatural, making the viewer a part of both, and both a part of faith and reverence. -(PF.5249)Sectionofan Enameled Brass Traveling Icon - PF.5249Origin: Russia Circa: 1750 AD to 1900 ADDimensions:7.25(18.4cm) high x 4.25"(10.8cm)wide Collection:Russian Icons Style:Russian Orthodox Medium:Enameled Brass   « Less

This fascinating panel is one of three others comprising a four part icon designed for the "Feast Days and the Exaltation of the Mother of God." This theme occupies the upper  More »

This fascinating panel is one of three others comprising a four part icon designed for the "Feast Days and the Exaltation of the Mother of God." This theme occupies the upper portion, showing the Virgin Mary at the center, surrounded by adoring saints and watched over by God the Father. The scene on the upper left depicts the "Mother of God Tikhvin" with Alexander Svirsky, Cyril Belozersky and four bishops. Next is the "Mother of God of Vladimir" with the 'Holy Fools' Maxime and Basil and four saintly Metropolitians of Moscow--Peter, Jonah, Alexei and Philip. The panel below depicts the "Mother of God of the sing of Novgorod" with Antony Rimlyanin, Archbishop Leonty and other saints. The last panel shows the "Mother of God of Smolensk" with Anthony and Theodosius of the Monastery of the Caves in Kiev. In each section the figures are grouped in such a way as to allow for an area of landscape below the portrait of the Madonna. By using blue and green paint for earth and sky, and white for clouds, the very fine perspective is achieved, which adds a touch of realism to essentially metaphysical concepts. Herein lies the beauty of this icon in the blending of the supernatural with the real to make both seem a natural part of the lives of devout Christians. - (PF.5250)   « Less