#russianicons

We also thank Sergey Brun for the translation, Andrey Chumachenko for the design, and Pavel Ascheulov for the photos!

The given icon of the Theotokos of the Unburnt Bush was painted circa 1600-1633 at the Church of the Intercession on Luza in Russia. This famous type of image is also known as the Burning Bush icon. Its plot revolves around the miracle witnessed by Moses in the Old Testament. Now, take a look at the composition. Traditionally, it consists of two overlapping diamonds: the red one features the four Evangelists, and the green one usually depicts the archangels at its corners. As of today, the featured icon is in the collection of the notable Andrey Rublev Museum.

Kazan was once home to a distinct school of iconography, which brought up many talented icon painters. The featured work is a fantastic example of the style typical for the iconographers belonging to the Kazan school. Distinctive dark tones imbue Saint Nicholas icon with solemn seriousness and profound privacy. Unfortunately, the master’s name was long lost to time. The piece is now held in the collection of the Petko Zadgorski Art Gallery of Burgas in Bulgaria.

Palekh was the center of religious art in 19th-century Russia. It is where a unique iconographic tradition was developed. Icons that depicted the scene of the Resurrection — the Harrowing of Hades were especially popular with Orthodox believers of all social backgrounds at the time. Pieces created in Palekh were distinguished by the highly detailed and complex centerpiece surrounded by the border scenes with the Feasts of the liturgical year and the figures of the Four Evangelists in the corners. This particular icon also has an interesting and unusual addition to the bottom tier – the Crucifixion scene, which points to the fact that it was painted for a private commissioner. Come learn more about this icon and the Palekh icon painting tradition on our website.

This amazing antique icon depicts the Prophet Solomon who was the king of ancient Israel. Solomon was the son of King David and one of the most prominent figures in the Old Testament. He is said to have lived in the 10th century BC and was known to be an exceptionally wise monarch. The featured icon is part of the iconostasis of the Church of Transfiguration in Kizhi Pogost, which is located in the Republic of Karelia. It was painted approximately in the first quarter of the 18th century. Religious images commonly depict Solomon as a young man dressed in royal vestments, with a crown on his head. In this particular icon, Solomon is also pointing toward a church.

Featured image: Our Lord of Sacromonte and Our Lady of Sorrows, Señor del Sacromonte y Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, Mexico, 19th century, Oil on tin, NMSU Permanent Art Collection, Donated by Gloria Giffords and the Giffords Family.

The featured icon depicts one of the most revered saints in Orthodox Christianity — the Prophet Elias. This piece is dated back to the 19th century and was probably painted in Guslitsy. The icon pictures the life of the Prophet, with its centerpiece dedicated to the scene titled “Prophet Elias in the Desert.” The most interesting thing about this specific piece is that it features a rather rare scene depicting Avdius, a servant of King Ahab, who saved Elias from death.