Russian icon painting began to develop in Ancient Russia after baptism. It was the main core of Old Russian culture until the end of the 17th century, only in the era of Peter I was replaced by other types of fine and decorative art.
Nevertheless, Russia has always been famous for its icons, whose calling and purpose was to serve as a charm of Russian lands from the attack of enemy troops, diseases, crop failures and other disasters.
Icons have always been and are in the house of a believer, they stand in a prominent place, providing protection to their owner. Which of them are most popular? In our article you can get acquainted with the most famous icons in Russia.
10. St. Nicholas (Ugreshskaya icon) | Author unknown
Nicholas the Miracle Worker was one of the most revered saints in Russia, mentions of him are found in chronicles dating from the 11th century.
The history of the creation of the St. Nicholas Ugreshsky Monastery and the Ugreshsky Icon of St. Nicholas dates back to the 1380s.
During this period, Prince Dmitry Ioannovich Donskoy went camping on Mamaia. When he departed from Moscow with his comrades-in-arms, he appeared the image of the Miracle Worker, decorated with a vapa, surrounded by stars and shine. Seeing this phenomenon Dmitry Donskoy perked up, as he considered the sign to be good.
In honor of this event, St. Nicholas Ugreshsky Monastery was erected. A miraculous icon became his priceless relic. Saint Nicholas (Ugreshskaya icon). She is an example of old Russian iconography.
9. Kazan Icon of the Mother of God | Author unknown
The Russian princes wanted to establish dominance over Kazan from the 1160s. The military campaign of John IV ended in success in 1552.
But the relations between the inhabitants of this city and the Russian people were strained, as the religion was different. The sovereign began to think how to unite people. In 1579, a fire occurred in the city, it burned down completely.
At the same time, a nine-year-old girl in a dream came to the Virgin and ordered her icon to be found in the ashes. Nobody believed the child, so the girl found the sacred image on her own. The found relic was decided to be transferred to the first Kazan Orthodox church.
Interesting fact: when transferring to the temple of the image, two blind men received sight. This miracle became a harbinger of the spread of Christianity in the lands previously owned by the Tatars.
Kazan Icon of the Mother of God known for the fact that thanks to the prayers before her many miracles happened, people were healed, the country avoided wars. Until 1904, she was in Russia, but then disappeared.
8. The Virgin Hodegetria (Guidebook) | Posted by: Дионисий
The image was painted by the icon painter Dionysius around the 1480s. For a long time he stayed in the Ascension Monastery of the Moscow Kremlin. It is one of the earliest works of the artist.
The icon played a major role in the interior of the cathedral for which it was painted. It depicts The Virgin Hodegetria (The Guidebook) and her son, sitting on his hands, the faces of the saints are solemn and strict. Clothes and faces radiate light, a considerable amount of gold color is present on the icon.
For reference: A similar color scheme for Russian iconography of those times was unusual. It became relevant in the 17th century and was called the Hodegetria of Sedmiiezers.
7. Don Icon of the Mother of God | Author: Theophanes the Greek
This image was painted in the 14th century by Theophanes the Greek. Gained wide fame thanks to the miracles performed. The prayer before him helped the Russian soldiers in battles with the Golden Horde.
Also icon of the Don Mother of God contributed to the victory of Russian soldiers in the Battle of Kulikovo. Prince Dmitry Donskoy, who led this battle, renamed the Assumption Cathedral, located in Kolomna in Donskoy, and the icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who was in it, was also called Donskoy.
The image more than once brought victory to the Russian soldiers, for example, thanks to him they won against the Kazan khans, and also made a successful campaign to Polotsk.
Interesting fact: one of the main miracles completed thanks to the prayers of this icon is the salvation of the capital of Russia from the attacks of the Crimean Tatars.
6. Angel Golden Hair | Author: Simon Ushakov
Icon Angel golden hair It is considered one of the oldest from the collection of the Russian Museum, located in the northern capital of Russia. Researchers suggest that it was written in the 1220s.
Interesting fact: the image was found in the 1860s. at the warehouse of the Moscow Kremlin. People who discovered it assumed that they had found the 17th-century icon “The Archangel Gabriel,” written by Simon Ushakov.
This image was painted by an unknown master, but is one of the most beautiful examples of ancient Russian painting. When creating his work, the author used a technique known from antiquity, because golden hair was considered a symbol of divine power.
5. Intercession of St. Sergius of Radonezh | Author unknown
According to chronicles, Sergius of Radonezh lived in the 14th century, he was famous for his mercy, kindness and love for the Russian people. There are many legends about the miracles created by him.
This saint is prayed in the following cases:
- with pain of mental and physical;
- with financial distress and hunger;
- to pacify pride;
- with an attack of evil spirits;
- with scandals, troubles, family quarrels
and in some other situations.
The first image of the icon Intercession of St. Sergius of Radonezh was embroidered on the cover shortly after his death. It dates from the first quarter of the 15th century. There is an assumption that he was executed to gain the relics of the saint, which happened in 1422.
4. The Holy Savior | Author: Simon Ushakov
According to legend, the icon "The Savior Not Made by Hands" was the first to perpetuate the image of the Lord God.
There are two versions of the origin of the image:
- on a towel (mandilion);
- on the stone (Keramion).
Researchers found one of the first references to it in written sources of the 4th century. In Russia, the original of the shrine of the towel was not found, but in many monasteries its copies were stored and stored, possessing wonderful power.
3. Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God | Posted by: Лука
According to one version of the origin, Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God was written from nature by the Evangelist Luke, he wrote it on a blackboard from a table at which the Savior himself once sat.
In the 12th century, the image came to the prince of Kiev, he placed it in one of the cathedrals in the city of Vladimir, which at that time was the capital of Russia.
The icon has miraculous power, prayers to it more than once saved the Russian people from foreign invaders.
For reference: Since 1999, the image is stored in the State Tretyakov Gallery.
2. Zvenigorod rank | Author unknown
The image consists of three icons, was discovered in the 1910s. in the barn of the Assumption Cathedral in a city called Zvenigorod. Researchers suggest that it was written around the 15th century.
It depicts the Savior, the Archangel Michael and the Apostle Paul. All the images of the saints are exalted and spiritualized, their proportions are impeccable.
At first, experts believed that the relic found Zvenigorod rank belongs to the brush of the famous Russian holy icon painter Andrei Rublev, but later agreed that its author is unknown.
1. The Holy Trinity | Author: Andrey Rublev
The image was written for the Trinity Cathedral in the 15th century by Andrei Rublev. Experts refer to one of the most valuable examples of Russian culture. The icon painter painted the image, being already a mature master.
On the icon The Holy Trinity you can see images of three angels, which, according to the Bible, appeared to Abraham in the form of wanderers.
Although the image does not have miraculous properties or a story about an unusual occurrence, the artist’s skill, lively energy and spirituality coming from the icon made her a wonderful and valuable piece of art.