Saints Boris and Gleb 17th century

This icon of Saints Boris and Gleb was crafted by an anonymous artist, using a combination of painting and metalworking techniques. The image is built up from layers. First, the wood panel was primed to create a smooth painting surface. Then, the artist carefully applied pigments to depict the figures, horses, and landscape. Look closely and you'll notice the intricate details, such as the patterns on the saints' garments and the delicate rendering of their faces. What really sets this icon apart is the elaborate metalwork that surrounds the painted image. This is achieved by a skilled metalsmith, who would have used tools to cut, shape, and emboss the metal, creating raised patterns and textures. Notice the halos around the saints' heads, the decorative borders, and the ornate background. All this takes time, skill and effort. By combining painting and metalworking, the anonymous artist of "Saints Boris and Gleb" created a powerful image that speaks to both the spiritual and the material worlds. It challenges our conventional divisions between fine art and craft.