Russian Brass Icon

Gilded brass, and a face that looks directly at you.

Russian icon painters and metalworkers made this icon in brass, silver and wood in the 19th century. Icons with metal covers, called oklads, were commonly kept in homes and churches, with only the face and hands left painted. The figure has a dark, serious face under a halo of radiating gilt lines, one hand raised and the other holding an open book.

About 14 by 12 inches. A small amount of gold, a large amount of gravity. Hang it where the light can find the gilt, and let the room lower its voice.