Item 66
The Holy Princes Boris and Glyeb
End of the 19th century
Egg tempera, gold leaf on a wood panel
28” x 22.5”
James and Tatiana Jackson Collection

This icon depicts the first official Russian Saints, brothers Boris and Glyeb. When their father Prince Vladimir died in 1015, Svyatopolk, another son of Vladimir did not want to share his inheritance and decided to kill his brothers, Boris and Glyeb. Svyatopolk sent conspirators to murder Boris, who did not resist, but sang Psalms, prayed before an icon of Christ, and then lay down to be murdered. Glyeb’s assassins arrived while he was praying on a boat that was taking him back to Kiev. The brothers are depicted together, both in princely robes, with crowns upon their heads. Each rests a hand on a sword and holds a cross, which usually symbolizes martyrdom. Since they did not die defending the faith, the brothers were not actually martyrs, consequently they were called “Holy-Passion-Bearers.” Christ is depicted above delivering a blessing. The background of this icon has been intricately incised, as have the borders, which have also been painted in such a way as to simulate enameling of the type sometimes found on a riza. The large size of this icon would suggest that it was once displayed in a small chapel or shrine.