Russian Wood Icon

Five figures at a bedside, painted in teal, red and gold.

Russian painters made this icon in wood in the 19th century. Icons in Russia are commonly painted for the home or church, usually on wood panels in tempera. The scene appears to show a birth, with a woman resting in a red bed, attendants gathered round, and a newborn held by a seated figure in the foreground. Behind them are an arched colonnade and a starry curtain. A band of Cyrillic text is painted across the top.

About twelve inches tall and ten wide. Warm, busy and domestic.