NAM.1973-09-35-5

Russian devotional icon owned by Maj E R Jeffreys, 88th Regiment of Foot (Connaught Rangers) and acquired by him during the Crimean War (1854-1856), 1854 (c). Brass, made in Russia, 1854 (c). This icon is made of three plain-backed sheets of brass hinged together, which fold out to reveal a triptych. The central panel depicts the figure of a saint identified in Cyrillic as the fifteenth century monk Saint Tikon. Above this section, on a rectangular projection, is an image of the Mandilion and to the left and right, the panels each depict three pairs of saints, also identified in Cyrillic. Although very small folding-panelled icons might be worn round the neck on a chain, larger examples such as this would probably have been carried in a bag. Such icons are regarded by Orthodox Christians as more than just religious pictures. They are visual aids for worship, following strict rules of composition, subject and technique. The contemplation of such icons is believed to bring the people of God into a direct encounter with His presence and honour paid to them is believed to transfer to the subject depicted therein. This example was acquired by Lieutenant-Colonel Edmund Jeffreys during the Crimean War.

Crimean War (1854-1856)