19th-Century Icon Painting of Saints Peter and Paul, Oil on Wood

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A 19th-century devotional icon of the Apostles Peter and Paul, painted in oil on a wood panel. Pre-revolutionary Cyrillic inscriptions … Read more A 19th-century devotional icon of the Apostles Peter and Paul, painted in oil on a wood panel. Pre-revolutionary Cyrillic inscriptions identify the saints above their heads.

Peter stands at left holding the keys to the kingdom of heaven, a symbol of the authority given to him by Christ. Paul stands at right with a sword, an attribute associated with his preaching and his martyrdom. The figures appear against a pale blue background that has acquired a greenish hue from yellowed varnish.

Circa 1840–1880.

Condition: Antique condition with yellowed varnish, scattered paint loss and abrasions, most noticeable along the lower edge. Small holes are present around the perimeter wear once held the ornate frame, with wood loss along a side edge, as shown in the photographs.

Dimensions: 9⅜" H × 7" W × ⅞" D See less