Panel from a Saints' Calendar (painted on both sides)

Art Historical Context

This delicate panel, painted on both sides by an anonymous Russian painter, forms part of a Saints' Calendar—a devotional object likely used in Orthodox Christian liturgy to honor male saints on specific feast days. Its petite size (just over 7 by 6 inches) suggests it was designed for portability, perhaps as a page in a folding icon screen or personal prayer book, allowing the faithful to carry spiritual companions on their journeys. Crafted in tempera on linen—a and lightweight medium for Russian icons—this artwork exemplifies medieval Eastern Orthodox techniques. Tempera, made from pigment...

About the Artist

Russian Painter

The Russian Painter, an anonymous master active possibly in the 16th century, embodies the profound spiritual tradition of Russian iconography. Little is known about their early life, training, or personal background, as is common for many unattributed works from this era, when artists often labored in workshops without individual recognition. Working in the Russian school tradition, this painter ...