Charming folk icons that emphasize
the provincial element in Russian iconography during the 18th to early 20th century are featured in
this exhibition. This period is rich in iconographic types and variations that utilized elements borrowed from the art of
Western Europe. This resulted from a stream of non-traditional icon painting in Russia after Peter the Great built his “Window
to the West” in St. Petersburg.
Despite the change from the traditional Byzantine stylized manner towards realism, icons continued to be
regarded not as religious paintings but as sacred objects linked to the holy figures they depicted. Veneration offered
to a saint depicted on an icon was believed to pass directly to that saint in heaven. Traditional believers made the sign of the cross and bowed twice before an icon; it was then
kissed or touched. The practice of burning lamps and candles in front of icons also resulted in the veneration marks
visible on many icons today. Because of this connection between saint and image, icons were seen as comforters and guardians
with powers to bring rain, cure disease in cattle, ward off fires and heal all ailments to which humans suffer.
| The Prophet Elijah, oil on wood panel, 19th C. |
|
| The Holy Trinity, oil on wood, early 20th C. |
|
| The Face "Not Made with Hands," tempera on wood |
|
| 19th C. |
| Two Saints, oil on wood panel, 18th C. |
|
![W.44Face.jpg](http://webhosting.web.com/imagelib/sitebuilder/misc/show_image.html?linkedwidth=560&linkpath=http://www.hollingsworthfinearts.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/W.44Face.jpg.w560h676.jpg&target=tlx_picnofe&title=The Face "Not Made with Hands," tempera on wood)
