Collection courtesy of James & Tatiana Jackson. Cedar Falls, Iowa

Princess Boris & Gleb, 19th Century
Gold leaf, egg tempera on wood panel.

The first official Russian saints were Boris and Gleb, sons of Prince Vladimir. The two brothers were murdered in 1015 by another of Vladimir's sons, who did not want to share his inheritance with them. The two brothers accepted their deaths as Christ accepted his, and consequently are called "Holy Passion Bearers." On icons they are usually shown together in their princely robes.

Feodorskya Mother of God, c. 1800
Gold leaf, egg tempera on wood panel.

This icon is said to have been found hanging in an evergreen tree in the area of Kostroma by Prince Vasiliy Yaroslavich of Kostroma, in 1239. In the early 17th century the icon was carried by the deputation which implored young Mikhail Romanov to become Czar of Russia, and it was used to bless him upon his ascent to the throne. It thus became the patron of the house of Romanov.

Crucifixion with Related Scenes
Gold leaf, egg tempera on wood panel.

This icon depicts a complex rendering of the Crucifixion. On the left is a gathering of witnesses to the crucifixion. On the right is a gathering of Pharisees. In the upper left corner is a related scene showing the taking down of the body of Christ from the cross by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. At the top right is another related scene depicting Jesus being placed in the tomb.