Historical Context & Origin
Region: Russia (Russian Empire)
Material: Cast bronze with traces of monochrome enamel and dark patina
Period: Circa 1850–1890
Description
This finely cast Russian Orthodox bronze icon represents the central panel (srednik) of a folding travel icon (skladen) produced during the Russian Empire in the second half of the nineteenth century. Executed in cast bronze with a rich aged patina, the icon depicts Saints Blaise (Vlasiy) and Athanasius (Afanasiy) standing beneath an ornate architectural canopy surmounted by Christ enthroned in glory.
The composition is framed by geometric and ecclesiastical ornamentation characteristic of Russian Orthodox metalwork of the period. Traces of Church Slavonic inscriptions remain visible throughout the design, identifying the sacred figures and reinforcing the icon's devotional purpose. Examples of this specific iconographic type have been documented as the central section of folding triptych icons produced between approximately 1850 and 1890 within the Russian Empire.
Portable bronze icons such as this were widely carried by pilgrims, merchants, soldiers, and travelers. Their durable construction made them well suited for personal devotion during journeys while also serving as cherished objects of prayer within the home. Folding examples often incorporated side panels depicting additional saints or sacred scenes, creating a compact personal shrine for daily worship.
Features
- Authentic Russian Orthodox bronze icon panel
- Central section (srednik) of a folding travel icon (skladen)
- Depicts Saints Blaise (Vlasiy) and Athanasius (Afanasiy)
- Christ enthroned above the saints
- Cast bronze construction with traces of enamel
- Church Slavonic inscriptions and decorative ornamentation
- Rich aged patina developed through age and handling
Historical Significance
Cast bronze icons played an important role in Russian Orthodox devotional life from the seventeenth through nineteenth centuries. Produced in workshops throughout the Russian Empire, these portable religious objects offered a durable alternative to painted wooden icons and were especially popular among travelers and Old Believer communities. Folding icons provided the faithful with a compact devotional image that could accompany them during pilgrimage, military service, or daily life. Today, surviving examples remain highly sought after by collectors of Russian religious art and Orthodox devotional antiquities.
Condition
Good antique condition overall. The icon displays expected age-related wear, surface rubbing, casting irregularities, and a rich dark patina developed through age and handling. Minor edge wear, oxidation, and losses to the original enamel are present, consistent with long-term devotional use and storage.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 4.2 in
Width: 2.8 in
Depth: 0.25 in
Age (Approximate)
135–175 years old
Provenance
From a private collection in Kinzers, Pennsylvania, USA, assembled over many years with a focus on Russian Orthodox icons, ecclesiastical art, and religious antiquities.
Learn More
Learn about the history and traditions of Russian Orthodox iconography through Waddington's overview of Russian Icons
Browse Our Collection of Religious & Spiritual Relics
