Altarpiece
1100-1200
Medium
Decorative Arts
Classification
Decorative Arts
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly
Accession Number
1929.8.488
Tags
About this artwork
This triptych is a form of Russian icon made during the twelfth century AD. In the tenth century, Russia was converted to Orthodox Christianity under the rule of Prince Vladimir of Kiev. He ordered all pagan images to be destroyed and built many grand churches in an attempt to win his people over to the new religion. To fill these churches, he imported Byzantine icons and furnishings, and Russian artists soon began to copy their rich, ornate forms. This piece was built in three wooden panels, de...
About the Artist
Unidentified ( ) · –