Russian
Dormition of the Virgin, n.d.
Not on view
Oil on wood
Dimensions12 9/16 × 10 1/2 in. (31.9 × 26.7 cm)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. James A. Rice, 1974.51
As an integral part of the Orthodox religion, icon painting descended from the Byzantine civilization, ultimately becoming the principle art form of Russia. Since the paintings were designed for religious veneration, the traditional version of a subject was regarded as an accurate portrayal of the actual event. As a result, the subjects and the manner in which they were painted changed very little from the tenth to the eighteenth century. This icon represents the death of the Virgin Mary as it was traditionally rendered. Grieving apostles surround her deathbed and Christ holds a tiny figure representing her departed soul.
Russian icons tend to be more colorful and joyous than the earlier Byzantine works. By the sixteenth century, artists began to incorporate Western characteristics. For example, Dormition of the Virgin combines a Western feeling for volume with Eastern linear patterns and a gold leaf background.
