Exhibition "The Orthodox Icon on the Don"

About exhibition

The exhibition features icons from the 16th to the early 20th century, crosses, folding icons (skladni), books, liturgical items, and models of Don Orthodox churches. The display acquaints visitors with the history of icon painting, the diversity of historical and regional artistic traditions, and the presence of the icon in church space and in people's everyday life. The collection includes icons with unconventional painting techniques and unique subjects. One of the oldest in the icon collection is the 16th-century icon "The Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos"; one of the rarest is the 18th-century "Theotokos of Akhtyrka" bearing the artist's signature "Ivan Denisov." These icons are part of the "Bogorodichny" (Mother of God) group. They are harmoniously complemented by images of the Most Holy Theotokos Feodorovskaya (with saints depicted on the side panels), the Smolensk, Kazan and Tikhvin icons, the Ognevidnaya, the "Three-Handed" (Troeruchitsa), and the "Unburnt Bush." Of particular interest are a Deesis-row triptych from the mid-19th century; the 18th-century icon "Lord Sabaoth"; the 19th-century "Icon of the Holy Prophet John the Forerunner with scenes from his life"; and "The Saviour on the Throne."