Saints Boris and Gleb 17th century

This 17th-century icon, "Saints Boris and Gleb," depicts the two brothers, martyred by their own brother, Svyatopolk the Accursed, and later canonized as saints. The icon, currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, portrays Boris and Gleb mounted on horses, with their haloes and elaborate clothing. Their noble bearing reflects their status as princes and their unwavering faith. The delicate floral patterns surrounding the central figures are reminiscent of the intricate decorative motifs found in Russian Orthodox art. This icon exemplifies the powerful imagery and religious devotion found in Byzantine art, particularly in the context of Russia.