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7-Russian Carving
The Head of John the Forerunner
Circa 1690
Carved and polychrome wood, Height 15"
James and Tatiana Jackson Collection


hree-dimensional ecclesiastical imagery is not the norm in Russian Orthodoxy. In pre-Christian Russia there were many Pagan images that were carved and worshiped, therefore statues and the like were seen as to closely related to pagan images and were officially shunned. Nevertheless certain carved images were quite popular. They include Saint Nicholas of Mozhaisk, Saint Paraskeva, Saint George, and the head of John the Forerunner. Images of St. John’s head were usually positioned near large icons of the Saint when displayed in a church or chapel. It was not uncommon for regional religious leaders such as bishops to visit a church displaying statues and order them destroyed, thereby making three-dimensional carved figures such as this example somewhat scarce today.
 

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8-Russian Icon
Saint John the Forerunner
Circa 1700
Egg tempera on wood panel, 12.25" x 10.5"
James and Tatiana Jackson Collection


imilar to icon #5 in this exhibit, here John is seen delivering a blessing with his right hand and with his left hand he holds a salver containing his head and a scroll upon which is written “Repent ye; for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Depicted lower right is a tree with an ax illustrating Luke 3:9: “And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the tree: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” The borders and the head of John are decorated with strips of repoussé silver. These strips (called basma) would later evolve into full metal coverings called riza or oklad. On the top margin is the “Image Not Made By Hands.” The decorative metal strip along the top bears the title for this icon, “The Holy Prophet John the Forerunner.”