Russian Wood Icon

An entire life, told in panels small enough to cover with one hand.

This icon, Life of Christ, comes from Russia and dates to the 19th century, in painted wood. Icons with many small scenes served as a kind of visual gospel, letting the faithful follow the story from a single panel in a home or church. At the center Christ stands in a red robe within a gold-edged octagon, surrounded by kneeling and standing figures. Smaller scenes in octagonal frames circle him, each with haloed figures, and painted inscriptions run along the red border. 12.75 inches high and 11 wide.

All the eye has to do is follow, one panel after another.